Hello, BIFB family!

My name is Theodora, and I am currently a Curatorial Intern at the BIFB office. I’m interning as part of my final semester in the Master of Art Curatorship program at the University of Melbourne, following an amazing few months working on the inaugural Visual Descriptions program as part of the 2025 festival.

I was also a volunteer during last year’s Biennale, spending a lot of time with the incredible exhibitions of the Core Program, and working with the other volunteers and being surrounded by so many thought-provoking artworks throughout the city inspired me to join the team for this internship, in the hopes of gaining some behind-the-scenes knowledge about the curatorial process of putting together a photography festival, and hopefully being able to contribute to the next edition!

As both a Ballarat local and an emerging arts worker, I can’t wait to see the 2027 Biennale come together, as well as witness the early stages of the new National Centre for Photography and the opportunities it’s creating for other young creatives – so join me as I take you behind the scenes during an exciting few weeks!

Image: Theodora volunteering at the 2025 Ballarat International Foto Biennale. Photo by Philippa Griffin.