The German Photographic Academy [Deutsche Fotografische Akademie (DFA)] has dedicated itself to artistic photography for more than 100 years. The Academy was founded in Eisenach on August 18, 1919 – by its predecessor organisation, “GDL” (Society of German Photographers).

We discuss, exhibit, and promote artistic photography – publicly, non-profit, and non-commercially. We host conferences and invite guests, members, young artists, and the interested public.

Respectful and appreciative interaction is essential to us. We always act with integrity and promote fair and respectful exchange, whether in discussions, projects, or collaborations with our members and partners.

We are passionate about photography and photo-media and share a keen interest in relevant approaches and their theoretical discourse. We seek new and diverging perspectives, contradictions and intellectual openness. If these principles resonate, then please visit us—online, and even better in person—because collegial networks make up the DFA’s supporting structure.

At the beginning of 2021, the DFA moved its association headquarters to Mannheim. It is now located at the rem gGmbH Stiftungsmuseen. The close cooperation with the Forum Internationale Photographie and ZEPHYR - Raum für Fotografie, the two existing photographic departments at the Reiss-Engelhorn-Museen, supports the activities of the DFA.