The 2026 edition of the Photaumnales, titled "Photography, and after?", explores the connection between historical photography and modern artistic creation. This year's festival coincides with the bicentenary of photography, marking 200 years since the medium's invention. Fred Boucher, director of the Photaumnales and the Diaphane photographic hub, along with Emmanuelle Halkin, associate curator at Diaphane, explain how the festival is designed to build links between local communities and the broader world of photography. A key focus is on creating a sense of place and local engagement, emphasizing the festival’s connection to the regions where it takes place. The main exhibition of the 2026 Photaumnales is held at the Quadrilatère in Beauvais, a location not used for three years. The exhibition is divided into three sections: the work of Stéphane Couturier, who blends documentary photography with visual references and even creates a tapestry for the Beauvais cathedral; a historical section featuring 270 photographs from the Beauvaisis region; and a section curated by Emmanuelle Halkin, focusing on contemporary photography. This format is also used in several other locations, including the Amiens Cultural House, the Berck museum, the Chevalet theatre, and in fifteen to twenty smaller towns. This year's edition is described as a "new formula," integrating both indoor and outdoor spaces with a chronological structure. This year’s Photaumnales is different from past editions in its emphasis on a chronological approach. Fred Boucher suggested historical artists, while Emmanuelle Halkin proposed contemporary artists who engage with those historical works. For example, the work of Eugène Atget, known for photographing Parisian streets, is paired with Diane Meyer, who explores the remnants of the Berlin Wall. Another example is Stéphane Couturier’s tapestry for the cathedral, which is linked to contemporary artists like Shinji Nagabe, who works with tapestry and embroidery. These pairings highlight a strong continuity between historical and modern photography, going beyond just a thematic link. The festival also addresses the political role of photography today. Contemporary photography, which often combines different disciplines like video, sound, and performance, takes a stance on issues such as ecology and decolonization. Artists like Shinji Nagabe and Jordan Beal, who is also featured at the Arles Rencontres, are highlighted for their transdisciplinary and often activist approaches. Marta Bogdańska’s work, which explores human-animal relationships, is also included. These artists challenge the dense legacy of photography, questioning its power and influence. The festival aims to engage the public through education, especially in schools, to bridge the gap between photography experts and the general public. The full interview with Fred Boucher and Emmanuelle Halkin is featured in the latest issue of Fisheye #78, titled "Quels mondes allons-nous habiter?" (What worlds are we going to inhabit?), which explores themes of landscape and environment. The issue will be available starting September 11, 2026.