photoSCHWEIZ is moving to the Kongresshaus Zurich for the next four years

Big changes at photoSCHWEIZ: with the move from Zurich-Oerlikon back to Zurich city center, Switzerland's largest and most important photography exhibition aims to grow into a festival with international appeal. "The city of Zurich should become a Mecca for photography aficionados from all over the world," says organizer Michel Pernet, outlining his vision. The Kongresshaus will be both the starting point and the new epicenter.

Michel Pernet, Director photoSCHWEIZ (l) and Michel Loris-Melikoff, CEO Kongresshaus Zürich (r)

In contrast to Neu-Oerlikon, the city center offers much greater opportunities. "There are many more opportunities for interaction with the population here," explains Pernet. This is in line with the event's DNA. "Our intention was always to stage photography in a popular, cool and accessible way for everyone," says Pernet. This is possible in the Kongresshaus like almost nowhere else. The changing retail sector also plays into the hands of photoSCHWEIZ. Art and culture are becoming increasingly important in brand and corporate communication and thus also in retail, which allows photoSCHWEIZ to create privately financed side shows and pop-ups around the exhibition. In addition to the Kongresshaus, photoSCHWEIZ is therefore seeking further strategic partnerships with cultural key players and important tradespeople in the city center. "In this way, we can be present with photography here and there and everywhere throughout the year, making Zurich the Swiss city of photography," says Pernet.

"This move gives us and Swiss photography a new perspective," says photoSCHWEIZ organizer Michel Pernet. "With the Kongresshaus as its epicenter, photoSCHWEIZ can grow into a photography festival with international appeal, with many side shows and pop-ups before and during the exhibition."