CONTACT Photography Festival returns May 2026 for the 30th edition of its annual citywide event. So, it isn’t easy to pick exhibits to see. We all look forward to seeing much more than the ones listed but these caught our interest and everyone is sure to have their own list as well.
EMESE KRUNAK-HAJAGOS publisher/editor/writer
Jessica Slipp: Becoming Rock
May 6 – August 1, 2026
The Image Centre
Jessica Slipp, Becoming Rock (Fleuve Rock), 2018–ongoing, multi-channel video (still). Courtesy of the artist
Aaron Jones: Lithic
April 12 – December 31, 2026
McMichael Canadian Art Collection
Aaron Jones, Lithic, 2026. Courtesy of the artist
PHIL ANDERSON publisher/writer/photographer
Monica Rooney: Accidently Affirmative
May 2 – 31, 2026
Café ZuZu
Chloe Beaulac: Sanctuary
May 1 – 31, 2026
Conservation & Culture
STEVE ROCKWELL publisher/writer
Sara Cwynar: Baby In Blue
May 15 – August 16, 2026
MOCA Toronto
Sara Cwynar, Baby Blue Benzo stills, 2024. Photo: Chase Barnes
Yann Pocreau:The Prefix Prize 6
May 1 – July 25, 2026
Urbanspace Gallery
ANGIE OSPINA
Group Exhibition Through a Tinted Frame
May 1 – 31, 2026
99 frames
Abdulganiyu Yusufu, Burnt Out, 2025
Adrian Merritt Smith: ReTREAT
May 1 – 31, 2026
18 Waits
Adrian Merritt Smith, Retreat 2, 2021
ANTONELLA PECORA RUIZ writer/photographer
Spring Hurlbut: Dyadic Circles
May 9 – June 27, 2026
Stephen Bulger Gallery
Spring Hurlbut, Barley and Cujo, 2019–2020© Spring Hurlbut / courtesy Stephen Bulger Gallery
Larry Fink: Social Graces & Runway
May 6 – August 1, 2026
The Image Centre
Larry Fink: Social Graces & Runway, Larry Fink, Hair Wars, Detroit, Michigan, 1997 (printed later), gelatin silver print. © Larry Fink/MUUS Collection. The Image Centre Collection, Gift of Brenda Coleman, in memory of Matthew Coleman, 2017
ELIN MACRAE writer/photographer
Tim Georgeson: Kupa Piti / White Man in a Hole
May 1 – 24, 2026
Billboards at College St and Clinton St
Tim Georgeson, Kupa-Piti, Untitled 1, 2023/2024. Courtesy of the artist
HUGH ALCOCK writer
Kirstin Sjaarda, Field Works
May 5 – 30, 2026
Akasha Art Projects Inc
Johannes Zits, Through the Prism of Fire
May 1 – July 31, 2026
Alleyway Gallery
POLYNA ALEXSEEV writer/photographer
Sheida Soleimani: Ghostwriter
May 1 – 24, 2026
Billboards Dundas St W and Rusholme Rd
Sheida Soleimani, Dissidant, 2025, Courtesy of the artist Edel Assanti, London, and Harlan Levey Projects, Brussels.
RASHANA YOUTZY writer/photographer
Wayne Salmon: Play Mas: A Portrait of Carnival
May 9 – 30, 2026
Gallery 1888
Wayne Salmon, Midnight Robber, 2000
April Hickox: Vantage Point-Passing
May 1 – August 29, 2026
Onsite Gallery
April Hickox, Untitled – Vantage Point Series. Courtesy of the artist.
YEHYUN LEE writer/photographer
Allen Ginsberg: Friendship and Community / The Beat Generation on Film
May 1 – 31, 2026
Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library at U of T
Allen Ginsberg: William Burroughs and Jack Kerouac mock fighting at 206 E 7th Street apartment, 1953
Paula Ner Dormiendo: What Makes a House a Home?
January 1 – May 31, 2026
Bramalea Ltd Community Park
Paula Ner Dormiendo, Breakfast with Lolo, 2025
Images are courtesy of CONTACT Photography Festival.
To make your own selection of exhibitions please click here.