Founded in 1970, the Arles Meetings are a photography festival that takes place every year in summer. There are over sixty exhibitions in various exceptional heritage locations in the town of Arles. The Arles Meetings help to share the photographic heritage of the world, and aim to be a melting pot for contemporary creativity. The programme mainly consists of previously unseen productions. Some exhibitions are produced in collaboration with French and foreign museums and institutions. Many photographers were discovered at the Arles Meetings. Its springboard role is reinforced by the presence of many foreign professionals during opening week.