Backlight is an international photo festival organized every three years since 1987 by Photographic Centre Nykyaika in the city of Tampere, Finland. Backlight is one of the oldest and largest international photography festivals in Northern Europe. Backlight exhibits contemporary photography of social and global importance.
The festival will take place in September 2026 under the theme The Art of Lying.
VENUES AND OPENING HOURS
Vooninkisali (Väinö Linnan aukio 13)
1-20 September
Opening hours Mon-Fri 12-18 Sat-Sun 12-16
International group exhibition.
Wheelchair accessible.
Free entry.
Photographic Centre Nykyaika (Kauppakatu 14)
1 September – 11 October
Opening hours Tue-Fri 12-18 Sat-Sun 12-16
Solo exhibitions by Joel Jimenez Jara and Katerina Angelopoulou
Not wheelchair accessible.
Free entry.
Gallery Koppelo (Kauppakatu 14)
1–27 September
Opening hours Tue-Fri 12-18 Sat-Sun 12-15
Student exhibition in collaboration with Rotterdam Photo.
Not wheelchair accessible.
Free entry.
Nekalab (Lounaantie 2)
11 September – 11 October
Opening hours Mon-Sat 9-20
Satellite exhibition
Sari Soininen, Anssi Ruuska, Patrik Rastenberger
Free entry.
All the venue locations are easily reached by foot and public transport.