Since 1978, Ffotogallery has played a pivotal role in developing contemporary photographic culture in Wales through the commissioning and presentation of new work in exhibitions, events, international festivals such as the Diffusion biennale, extensive print and online publishing, supporting emergingphotographic artists, innovative practices, and our specialist education and outreach work. As Wales’s first gallery dedicated to photography, Ffotogallery has provided opportunities for creative participation across a wide section of the community and built up a strong network of alumni, many of whom have gone on to develop and sustain a successful creative practice and/or career in the arts in Wales and beyond.

On an international level Ffotogallery continues to develop strong partnerships for creative exchange and collaboration, significant projects include Helen Sear’s ‘...the rest is smoke’ at the Venice Biennale, extensive projects with the British Council in India and the Middle East, as well as contemporary virtual international collaborations such as ‘Where’s my space?’ with PAWA254 in Kenya.

Accumulated over four decades, Ffotogallery has an important photographic archive, comprising The Valleys Project and other commissions, and numerous books, artefacts and documents. The library and archive offers access to artists, curators, students, academic researchers and members of the community to multimedia resources, books and archival material. The resources reflect Ffotogallery’s national and international engagement, Cardiff and Wales’ evolving photographic history alongside developments in contemporary photographic practice.

Since arriving at our new permanent base in Cathays, Cardiff in 2019, we have been building our community links to create a welcoming, creative space with a dedicated gallery, library, bookshop and workshop facilities. As we look ahead to our 50th anniversary in 2028, we are excited to build on the strong legacy of creative excellence, innovation and partnership Ffotogallery has developed over the years, and to continue supporting the photography communities in Wales to thrive.