The MIA Photo Fair BNP Paribas will mark its milestone fifteenth anniversary from March 19 to 22, 2026, at the prestigious Superstudio Più venue in Milan's creative Via Tortona district. Under the artistic direction of Francesca Malgara and organized by Fiere di Parma, this landmark edition will explore the theme of "Metamorphosis," examining transformations in both society and photographic practices while reinforcing the fair's central position in Europe's contemporary photography landscape.
The anniversary celebration will feature an impressive array of awards totaling nearly 80,000 euros, distributed among participating artists and galleries. According to Malgara, this fifteenth edition represents both a significant achievement and a fresh beginning, occurring at a pivotal moment when photography continues to evolve while maintaining its fundamental power to interpret reality. The fair's visual identity will be highlighted by a historic Polaroid work by renowned artist William Wegman, perfectly embodying the metamorphosis theme.
Several prestigious awards form the backbone of the fair's recognition program. The BNL BNP Paribas Award, established in 2012, will honor an outstanding work that will subsequently join the financial group's extensive art collection. The Fiere di Parma Acquisition Fund will facilitate the purchase of works displayed throughout the fair, simultaneously enriching the institution's collection while providing crucial support to participating galleries. Additional honors include the Casa Museo Molinario Colombari Award for the most impressive booth presentation and the miramART Acquisition Award, specifically designated for artists featured in the Focus section.
The fair places particular emphasis on nurturing emerging talent through various innovative initiatives. Erik Kessels Portfolio Parade will showcase an international selection of portfolios presented within an experimental installation format. A notable addition for the 2026 edition is the newly introduced Superstudio Photo Award, which targets young European photographers and serves as a tribute to the lasting legacy of Oliviero Toscani.
Structurally, the fair is meticulously organized around a comprehensive Main Section complemented by three specialized curatorial sections. "Beyond Photography – Dialogue" investigates the dynamic interplay between photography and other artistic disciplines, while "Reportage Beyond Reportage" examines contemporary forms of documentary photography that transcend the immediacy of traditional news cycles. The "Focus Latino" section brings together Latin American, Iberian, and diasporic artists, exploring themes of hybrid identity and cultural transformation that resonate with the fair's overarching metamorphosis concept.
Since its inception, MIA Photo Fair BNP Paribas has attracted more than 400,000 visitors and continues to draw an increasing number of international galleries, firmly establishing itself as an indispensable cultural and professional platform throughout Italy and Europe. The 2026 edition aims to build upon this remarkable momentum by providing a dynamic space where photography, in its constant state of metamorphosis, can affirm its essential role in interpreting contemporary life. This anniversary edition also celebrates the strengthened partnership with BNL BNP Paribas, which became the fair's title sponsor in 2025 following more than a decade of continuous and dedicated support to the photography community.
