Source : Perth Now news
The return of an internationally recognised photography festival to Perth is in doubt after it was offered only a fifth of the sponsorship it was seeking.
The Head On Photo Festival has been run by the not-for-profit Head On Foundation for more than 20 years.
It came to Perth for the first time this year from February 1-March 1, with photography exhibitions, talks, workshops, screenings and special events across Perth.
The Head On Foundation was given $125,300 in cash and in-kind support by the City of Perth for it, and had sought $156,150 from its arts and culture sponsorships for the 2027 event.
But after learning the city planned to give it only $34,227 in total, its application was withdrawn.
Its withdrawal enabled the city to increase its contribution to PICA, WA Opera and The Lester Prize by $15,000, $5000 and $10,000 respectively.
The council approved giving $1.1 million to nine organisations unanimously at its August 25 meeting.
Confidential correspondence from Head On festival director Moshe Rosenzveig was given to council members at the meeting.
PerthNow contacted the Head On Foundation about its plans for the 2027 Perth festival.
Its funding application said it planned to hold next year’s festival from March 6-April 6 and expected about 90,000 people to attend.
It would have included large-scale photography exhibitions and digital installations in public places such as Forrest Place, walking tours, and a photographic slideshow accompanied by live music.
The total cost for the event was expected to be $514,204.
City staff recommended that the event be given only $34,227 after rating its application 54.44 out of 100.
The assessment panel acknowledged the 2026 event contributed to city vibrancy and cultural activation and met its targets, but it said some elements “did not meet expectations relative to the value of the investment”.
These included limitations in wayfinding, site connectivity and “cohesive storytelling”.
The panel also said there were inconsistencies and errors in the application, and questioned how the projected attendance was calculated and if the city would get value for its money.
“The sponsorship benefits offered were not considered commensurate with the level of funding requested and lacked strong visibility and positioning expected for the level of investment sought,” its report said.
Photographer Paul Kotsoglo spoke at the council’s August 18 briefing in a bid to increase the city’s funding, and raised concerns about how it had assessed the application.
He said organisers did not get the city’s feedback until the day of the briefing and the application could have been adjusted if they had been told earlier.
“We ask that the city reconsider its consideration of this matter and grant a more substantial quantum because this is a world-class event in the photography universe,” Mr Kotsoglo said.
“It has international photographers that are recognised that are exposed here, no pun intended.
“It’s a very important exhibition. We will have exposure at Bondi Beach in Sydney with over 500 guests, with over 500,000 visitors during the exhibition in Sydney, and City of Perth will be exposed as the major sponsor of the 2027 event.”
Mr Kotsoglo wanted to give council members more information to address “errors and misrepresentation” but Lord Mayor Bruce Reynolds said this could not be done.
“I certainly do understand your frustration but I can also see the conflict of interest of us as councillors individually reviewing information when other applicants don’t get that same option,” Mr Reynolds said.
“It wouldn’t be fair for all the other applicants, not just this year but in previous years, that have fallen short for whatever reason, or in years down the track as well.
“It’s a bit like charity groups where you’re trying to divvy up who can get what and there has to be some sort of checks and balances.”
A council report said the funding was based on a “rigorous and responsibly administered merit-based process”.
Applications were assessed by city staff with “relevant expertise”.
“All applications were assessed against published assessment criteria aligned to the program’s key priority outcomes: visitation, vibrancy, engaging a diverse community, sustainability, and economic growth,” the report said.
“Whilst applicant satisfaction may vary, the available budget has been allocated where it can be most effective and deliver the greatest value for the community.”
In a statement released after the meeting, Mr Reynolds said a strong arts and culture offering was essential to creating a vibrant and liveable capital city.
“It draws people into the city, inspires creativity and gives locals and visitors new reasons to explore,” he said.
“This funding will bring an exciting mix of creative organisations to the city, delivering high-quality performances, exhibitions and events.”
