HEAD ON PHOTO FESTIVAL PERTH
For the first time, Perth hosts Head On Photo Festival, Australia’s leading international photography festival, with a remarkable lineup of world-class photography appearing across public spaces from 1 February to 1 March 2026. This historic debut brings a month of exhibitions, public art, and immersive experiences to Western Australia, transforming the city with stunning visual storytelling.
FESTIVAL LAUNCH
Celebrate the official launch of Head On Photo Festival Perth on Saturday, 31 January 2026 at Northbridge Piazza. Join artists, curators, and the photography community as we kick off a month of world-class vision and creativity in the heart of Perth.
The launch party features live music by Gap Year, drinks, and creative energy as we announce the winners of the inaugural WA Life Photo Awards. Be among the first to see the stunning works that will transform Perth’s public spaces and meet the photographers redefining visual storytelling in Western Australia. Connect with artists, gallerists, collectors, and photography enthusiasts at this inspiring celebration where visual storytelling takes centre stage.
WA LIFE PHOTO AWARDS
To celebrate the festival’s arrival in Perth, Head On has launched the inaugural WA Life Photo Awards, inviting local photographers to capture the true spirit of the West. Going “beyond the postcard,” the competition seeks deeper narratives—from the red dirt of the Kimberley to the urban energy of the Perth CBD. Whether street photography, portraiture, landscape, or conceptual work, Head On is looking for images that capture the essence of life in Western Australia.
Fifteen finalists will have their work professionally produced and exhibited during the first-ever Head On Photo Festival Perth, running from 1 February to 1 March 2026.
ABOUT HEAD ON PHOTO FESTIVAL
Founded in 2004 by Moshe Rosenzveig OAM, Head On Photo Festival has become synonymous with exceptional photography. Run by the non-profit Head On Foundation, the Sydney-based festival has developed into a world-leading cultural event, showcasing over 5,000 photographic artists and awarding more than $800,000 in cash and prizes since its inception.
Head On’s unique anonymous judging process ensures equal opportunity for all photographers. Work is judged solely on merit, with artists’ names and backgrounds concealed from judges, resulting in a diverse range of voices and stories. This rigorous selection has earned Head On global respect as Australia’s premier photography festival, drawing 400,000+ annual visits and featuring 900+ Australian and international photographers.
The festival’s mission extends beyond exhibition—promoting visual literacy, encouraging innovation, making photography accessible to all, and raising awareness of important issues through visual storytelling.
Dates: Saturday, January 31st, 2026
Location: Northbridge Piazza Superscreen, Corner James and Lake Streets, Northbridge
Duration: Approximately 90 minutes
Admission: Free
Image Detail: Philip Gostelow
