About
Photobook Melbourne is an artist-run, not for profit organization, passionate about experimental photography and innovative bookmaking practices.
Through presenting an international festival, Photobook Melbourne provides a platform to create and celebrate excellence in the field of photography. A festival to inspire, encourage, share ideas, learn, grow, laugh and explore new photographic outcomes and practices. A meeting place for artists, book lovers, publishers, experts and collectors – to encounter, reflect, examine, network and exchange.
Photobook Melbourne initiates forums for exchange between artists, publishers and audiences – experiences that enable the expression of new ideas through gatherings and dialogues. We encourage critical thinking around ways of making a photographic practice sustainable.
Our mission is to push and foster contemporary photographic artists by providing a platform for collaboration and experimentation. We support artists who are cultivating new ways of perceiving and engaging with the photographic medium. Our goal is to present Australian photography at its best. It will raise the profile of our emerging and established photographers beyond our shores, and bring further attention to Australia’s ability to nurture and provide a home for contemporary photography.
Our events and exhibitions are intended to be informative, educational and interactive. They will help build a strong, connected and informed community. We talk about contemporary photography in a way that is accessible, critical, and enjoyable at the same time.
–
Photobook Melbourne is curated and directed by Heidi Romano, an artist with a diverse skill set and over fifteen years of experience within the field of photography. Romano often acts as a guest curator, portfolio reviewer and judge at Prix Pictet, Rencontres d’Arles, Photo Irlenad, Feature Shoot, Lenscratch, Asia Pacific Photobook Archive, Urbanautica, Ballarat Foto Biennale, Critical Mass and Landscape Stories, amongst other industry related festivals and events. Romano has a critical eye for the issues that count. She is a passionate book designer and loves working with artists through all levels of project development. In late 2009 she founded Unless You Will, an acclaimed online photography journal dedicated to showcasing the finest of international visual storytelling.
As of February 2016 she works with three wonderful interns and has put together a dynamic advisory board.