FORMAT27: Derby’s International Photography Festival Returns in 2027

One of Derby’s biggest international cultural events is returning in 2027, with FORMAT International Photography Festival set to take over venues and spaces across the city from 11 March to 11 April.

Established in Derby in 2004, FORMAT has grown into one of the UK’s leading international contemporary photography festivals, bringing photographers, artists and visitors from around the world to the city. The 2027 edition will be built around the theme of PLAY, with exhibitions and events exploring experimentation, curiosity and changing ideas around what photography can be.

For something created and based in Derby, FORMAT has developed an impressive international reach. The biennale attracts more than 100,000 visitors, while its programme extends beyond the festival itself through commissions, exhibitions, talks, residencies and collaborations. When FORMAT arrives, Derby effectively becomes one enormous photography gallery, with work appearing in established cultural venues as well as temporary and unexpected spaces around the city.

FORMAT27 is ready to PLAY

Each edition of FORMAT is built around a central theme, and for 2027 that theme is PLAY. Rather than simply focusing on games or entertainment, the festival is using the idea to encourage experimentation and rule-breaking within photography and visual art.

That feels particularly relevant at a time when photography itself is changing rapidly. AI-generated imagery is challenging ideas around what a photograph actually is, smartphones have made almost everyone an image-maker, and at the same time there has been renewed interest in analogue photography and more physical, hands-on processes.

FORMAT27 is leaving plenty of room to explore those ideas. Work can include traditional photography alongside moving image, multimedia, installations, virtual reality, publications, performance and interactive projects. The theme also invites artists to experiment with new materials and more environmentally conscious approaches to making photographic work.

Derby becomes the gallery

One of FORMAT’s strengths has always been the way it spreads across Derby rather than remaining inside a single gallery. QUAD plays a central role, but previous editions have incorporated Derby Museum and Art Gallery, the University of Derby, the Market Place and temporarily repurposed buildings alongside other locations.

That makes FORMAT considerably more visible than a conventional exhibition. For a month, photography becomes part of the city itself, appearing in spaces people might walk past every day as well as venues they already associate with Derby’s arts scene.

FORMAT is organised and led by the team at Derby QUAD, with strategic partnership support from the University of Derby. Over more than two decades it has built an international reputation while remaining firmly rooted in the city where it started, making it one of Derby’s more interesting cultural exports.

Want to be part of FORMAT27?

Photographers and artists don’t have to wait until next March to get involved. The FORMAT27 Open Call is currently open, inviting artists, collectives and curators from around the world to submit projects responding to PLAY.

The call covers documentary and archive photography alongside multimedia, moving image, VR, installation, performance and interactive work. Up to 250 shortlisted projects will be considered by an international panel, with up to five ultimately selected for exhibition at FORMAT27.

The deadline for submissions is 6 September 2026, meaning there is still time for photographers and visual artists from Derby and the wider East Midlands to put their work forward for an international festival happening on their doorstep.

FORMAT has spent more than 20 years demonstrating that internationally significant creative events don’t have to happen in London, Manchester or another major city. It was created in Derby, continues to be produced here and brings an international photography audience into the city every two years.

With FORMAT27 taking over Derby for a month next spring, it is another reminder that some of the city’s most interesting cultural stories are considerably bigger than Derby itself sometimes realises.

FORMAT27 International Photography Festival takes place across Derby from 11 March to 11 April 2027. The FORMAT27 Open Call closes on 6 September 2026.

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