The 3rd Essen Symposium for Photography, held from February 4–5, 2026, aims at addressing interest in the medium’s prospective forms and uses. It is looking for speculations that critically engage with recent developments in the open and much-diversified field of visual media and try to position photography’s future role within such a realm.

How will photographic media participate in the dynamics of current technological advancements? How can photography impact and promote such developments with respect to social, artistic, scientific, and everyday practices? We are interested in ideas about photography’s future roles in social, artistic, scientific, and everyday realms. What will we mean when we say »photography«? Will we discuss specific techniques, aesthetics, or practices bound to visual images? Keeping the lessons taught by »operational images« in mind, will we leave the idea of the visual behind us? In short, what will be our point of reference when we address something as »photography«?

We are also delighted to invite you to the first public presentation of the Timm Rautert Archive — with the artist in attendance — as part of the 3rd Essen Symposium for Photography. Recently, our partner institution, Museum Folkwang, announced that it has assumed stewardship of the estate. To mark this occasion, the City of Essen will host a festive public reception at City Hall on 5 February 2026, at 6:30 p.m.

With generous support from the City of Essen, participation is free of charge. Attendance is limited — please register below.