DARMSTADT.- Darmstadt continues to strengthen its position as a center for contemporary art and photography with the launch of the art photo salon, scheduled to take place from May 8 to 11, 2025, at the Designhaus on the historic Mathildenhöhe site.

The new event aims to showcase a broad spectrum of contemporary photography, ranging from staged and documentary approaches to experimental techniques. Both analog and digital processes will be presented, featuring works that explore themes of modern life through diverse photographic expressions.

Unlike traditional art fairs, the art photo salon is designed as a lively meeting point for artists, collectors, gallerists, and art enthusiasts. Inspired by the salon gatherings of the 1920s, it focuses on informal exchanges over art, food, and conversation. The event highlights interdisciplinary dialogue and encourages creative networking.

The Designhaus, located within the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Mathildenhöhe, offers an impressive backdrop for the exhibition. The organizers intend to build on Darmstadt’s historic legacy as a "City of the Arts," while offering new momentum for both the regional and international photography scenes.

In addition to the main exhibition, the art photo salon features a diverse program that includes expert talks, artist discussions, guided tours, and panel debates. Special events such as a fine dining experience, an art fashion show, and musical performances are also scheduled, aiming to create a multisensory experience for visitors.

The event will present works by more than 30 artists, including Victor S. Brigola, Boris Eldagsen, Janine Graubaum, Patricia Lincke, Ela Mergels, Thomas Rusch, and Sabine Wild, among others.

Following its debut in Darmstadt, the art photo salon will travel to other German cities. It is set to appear at Barlachhalle K in Hamburg from June 18 to 22, 2025, and at the Heussenstamm Gallery in Frankfurt from October 15 to 19, 2025. Each edition will offer its own exhibitions, artist talks, and photography-related events.

Key events in Darmstadt include:

• A collectors’ talk on acquiring photographic art (May 10)

• An artist talk comparing traditional photography with AI-generated imagery (May 14)

• A fine dining night blending art and cuisine (May 15)

• A panel on the practice and market of photography collecting (May 17)

• Storytelling workshops linking text and imagery (May 18)

• An art fashion show highlighting sustainable fashion (May 25)

• A photobook exhibition running through June 1