Ballarat International Foto Biennale to take place from August to October

Featuring more than 2000 works, the biennale will take place from August 26 to October 22, with a range of exhibitions and events being hosted throughout the regional city.

Highlights will include an exhibition of the work of international portrait photographer Platon, including a world-first exhibition featuring more than 120 portraits of powerful people who have helped shape our world.

New Zealand photographer Yvonne Todd will present the Australian premiere of The Stephanie Collection, while Swedish-born, Prague based artist Erik Johansson will present the world premiere of his exhibition How To Fly.

Thanks to a partnership with the New York based Brant Foundation, the biennale will present the exclusive Instant Warhol exhibition, featuring polaroid photographs of celebrities from the 1970s and '80s taken by pop culture artist Andy Warhol.

Acclaimed Indian street photographer Nineet Vohra will conduct street photography tours and give a talk, while festival founder Jeff Moorfoot will curate an exhibition for the Biennale's 10th edition. The latter exhibition will see 15 regional photographers showcasing their interpretations of this year's theme The Real Thing, inspired by Russell Morris's 1969 song.

Other highlights will include Ramak Bamzar's Pro Femina, exploring the digital footprints of a generation of victims of the Islamic Republic, and a groundbreaking series featuring portraits of elders by Colleen Raven Strangways, which harnesses technology developed by multidisciplinary creator Michael Scarrot.

Djugun and Yawuru Man Michael Jalaru Torres' exhibition will illuminate Australia's dark history and modern day issues that shape our communities, while Stephen Dupont will present a collection of images capturing 30 years worth of mishaps and chance imperfections.

For more information about the festival click here.