Noorderlicht 1997 took place from September 13 to October 12, 1997. The program featured a main exhibition plus a second exhibition at the 'Der Aa-Kerk' in the centre of the city of Groningen, the Netherlands, some twenty-five exhibitions in galleries and musea, some thirty 'stage' exhibitions an varied locations and finally an extensive activity program. This site has information on the full program of Noorderlicht 1997.

Noorderlicht 1997 marked, being the fifth edition, the first lustrum of the photofestival. She attracted circa 15.000 visitors, of which 10.000 at the main location. The festival was accompanied by several publications, among which a festival newspaper, a huge photobook and a CD-ROM

The organisation thanks all sponsors and grants that made Noorderlicht 1997 possible.

Noorderlicht ('Northern Lights') is a major photography event in the Netherlands. Her main distinguishing mark is a coupling of artistic quality with social concern. The festival operates primarily within documentary photography, and specially the examination of the limits of the genre.

The first Noorderlicht Photofestival took place in 1990, as a birthday party gotten out of control of the USVA Photogallery that existed ten years at the time, and presented an overview of photographers from the Northern region of the Netherlands. Due to overwhelming success, Noorderlicht became a returning event that now has gone through four editions. In 1993 the (for now) definite formula took form, with a central main exhibition, a circuit of gallery exhibitions, an open platform and a range of activities. It is her goal to commit to collaboration projects with external organizations on a broad basis.