One of the world’s most significant photojournalism exhibitions is heading to regional Victoria this winter, with the Art Gallery of Ballarat set to host the globally renowned World Press Photo exhibition for the first time.
Running from 8 August to 20 September at the historic Ballarat Mining Exchange, the exhibition marks the first time Victorians have been able to experience the showcase locally in more than 10 years.
Credit: © Chantal Pinzi, Panos Pictures
Caption: A portrait of Bouchra Nabata’s troupe. Her determination as one of Tbourida’s first female riders helped pave the way for the seven all-female troupes that exist today. Rabat, Morocco, 13 August 2025.
Story: Tbourida is a UNESCO-recognized Moroccan equestrian tradition dating back to the 16th century. Troupes gallop in unison, firing rifles in a choreographed performance of cavalry warfare. Historically excluded, female riders have fought for inclusion since Morocco’s 2004 family code reforms strengthened women’s legal rights. Today, seven all-female troupes now ride among some 300. These farīsāt (horsewomen) bear significant personal costs, funding their own horses, costumes, and gunpowder permits. Their perseverance stands as a powerful claim to women’s rightful place in Moroccan cultural heritage.
Each year, the World Press Photo Contest recognises outstanding photojournalism and documentary photography from around the globe, capturing defining moments in world events, conflict, culture, protest and everyday life. The 2026 exhibition features winning images selected from more than 57,000 entries submitted by 3,747 photographers across 141 countries.
Visitors can expect confronting and deeply human stories covering global crises, climate disasters, political unrest and social movements, alongside quieter moments of resilience, tradition and hope.
This year’s exhibition includes photographs documenting the impacts of climate change from locations including Los Angeles, the Philippines, Norway and Mexico, as well as images spotlighting civic protests in the United States, women’s movements in Guatemala and youth demonstrations in Madagascar. Australian audiences will also see coverage connected to the Bondi massacre among the selected works.
Art Gallery of Ballarat Director Louise Tegart said the exhibition offers an important reflection of the current state of the world.
“World Press Photo reflects the state of the world at this time. While some of the images are difficult to view, they hold up a mirror to society and alongside the images of heartbreak there are images of hope,” she said.
Following its world premiere in Amsterdam, the exhibition travels to more than 60 cities internationally each year. While previous Australian seasons have been held in Sydney and Brisbane, Ballarat will now become the Victorian home of the exhibition for 2026.
Entry is free. For more information visit artgalleryofballarat.com.au
