This spring, the Ballarat International Foto Biennale (BIFB) will take over the city’s galleries, buildings, cafes and laneways.

Now in its 16th year, it is Australia’s most significant and prestigious photographic arts festival.

Open to regional Victorians from 15 September, the popular photography festival has been extended until 9 January 2022.

In 2021, the event has a special focus on some of the greatest rock stars the world has ever seen.

The full program of more than 260 artists across 100 venues includes 25 Australian premieres – most of which are exclusive to Ballarat.

The Australian premiere – and exclusive season – of the Linda McCartney: Retrospective sits at the centre of the 2021 program.

Encompassing more than 200 photographs by the world-famous photographer, the exhibition offers an intimate look into the life of the McCartney family, along with photographs of the 1960s music scene plus a series of never-before-seen prints from McCartney’s time in Australia.

On show at the Art Gallery of Ballarat, the exhibition has been curated by Paul, Mary and Stella McCartney.

Another BIFB exclusive is Number One | Gudinski, a celebration of Michael Gudinski’s lasting legacy and impact on the Australian music industry.

Presented in conjunction with the Mushroom Group, the exhibition of band and artist photos will look back at Gudinski’s advocacy for the arts and his lasting impact on the Australian music industry.

The images will be exhibited at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute, a fitting venue which has hosted many musical performances during its 162-year history.

The full BIFB program features a range of indoor and outdoor exhibitions:

• Core Program (14 exhibitions on show at the Art Gallery of Ballarat, National Centre for Photography, Ballarat Mining Exchange, Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute, Ballarat GovHub, St Andrew’s Uniting Church, Post Office Gallery, Ballarat Town Hall, and 29 Main Road)
• Core Program – Outdoor (more than 16 curated exhibitions featuring the works of international and Australian artists in Ballarat’s laneways and streets, including Alfred Deakin Place, Sturt Street and the Bridge Mall)
• Open Program (89 exhibitions across 75 Ballarat venues)

Tickets are available for a single day pass or three-day pass for multiple entries to the biennale’s core exhibitions in various venues during the festival.

All festival passes include a single timed visit to the Linda McCartney: Retrospective at the Art Gallery of Ballarat.

The BIFB’s events line-up includes artist talks, masterclasses, foto walks, panels, live music and bespoke dining experiences.

For more information, visit ballaratfoto.org