Photography blooms at the AGO this May, with the launch of the Scotiabank CONTACT Photography Festival. Inspired by the ongoing special exhibition Outsiders: American Photography and Film, 1950s – 1980s, and a new solo exhibition by German photographer Thomas Ruff, the May First Thursday presents an exciting lineup of talks, performances and art-making dedicated to challenging images.

Party-goers can purchase $22 advance combo-ticket packages for access to Outsiders. The exhibition will be open until 10 p.m. with the last entry at 9:30 p.m. AGO members enter the exhibition for free but are encouraged to book tickets in advance.

Taking the stage in Walker Court at 10 p.m., acclaimed Toronto electronic music duo Phèdre headlines the night with a dream electro-psych-pop sound accompanied by special projections and dancers. Elsewhere in the gallery, DJ Põ_NY and Toronto’s own Kieran Adams (aka DJ vibrant matter) will be DJing experimental sounds throughout the night.

Artist projects in May include a showing of Toronto filmmaker Chase Joynt’s experimental documentary I’m Yours. Working in collaboration with the performance artist Nina Arsenault, the film captures conversation in real time, and will be presented by simultaneous projection on two screens. Performer and animator Jesi the Younger (formerly Jesi the Elder) will challenge visitor’s sense of verticality with her unique body-bending choreography. Meanwhile the Terrarea collective will also show an alternate landscape but with objects instead of bodies.

Plus, don’t miss the usual First Thursday favorites, including a series of pop-up talks; our monthly Out of the Vaults exhibition, the one-night-only exhibition of prints & drawings generously supported by The Volunteers of the Art Gallery of Ontario; interactive art-making activities; and our fabulous Night Market featuring delectable snacks prepared by AGO chefs.

For programming updates, follow the #AGO1st hashtag on Twitter and Instagram. And don’t forget to RSVP to this event on Facebook.