near. was founded in Lausanne in 2009 and its principal aim is to promote contemporary photography. The association organises activities set around four main objectives: to promote and disseminate the work of Swiss and Swiss-based photographers including established talent as well as young artists; to enable a continuous cultural exchange between regions and among professionals in the field of photography (artists, historians, critics, curators, journalists and editors); to actively contribute to critical thinking on the subject of contemporary photography; and finally, to advertise Swiss photography to a wider audience. Among other things near. organises exhibitions, screenings, interviews, conferences and gatherings between professionals.