One of Central Europe's most eagerly awaited photography festivals gets under way today with the ninth edition of Krakow's Photomonth.

What began as a low key event has blossomed into an international fixture, drawing both artists and academics for a banquet of exhibitions, lectures and discussions.

Traditionally, the main programme shines a spotlight on talents from a specific nation, but this year, the festival is taking a more experimental approach.

Noted guest curators Adam Broomberg and Oliver Chanarin, both based in London, have invited dozens of writers and artists to concoct a fictional persona for each photographer exhibited.

Perhaps the most ardent aficionados of photography will be able to guess the true identity behind each show.

As always, there will be parallel programme, ShowOFF, presenting the cream of up and coming talent in Poland.

Given the runaway success of the event, visitors will find that virtually every cafe, gallery and museum in town will be laying on something to chime in with the festival, making Krakow a paradise for photography lovers over the coming weeks.

Photomonth runs from 13 May until 12 June. (nh)