The Auckland Festival of Photography launched in 2004. Creative Exposure's first programme was ambitious and included the participation of 192 photographers across ten exhibitions and events. Audience attendance exceeded expectations and was conservatively estimated at 11,500 people. Encouraged by this success the Festival expanded its 2005 programme to incorporate 18 exhibitions and events and participation from 412 photographers - a growth of 80%. Audience numbers increased by over 40%. Inspired by this positive response from both the professional and local communities the Festival will continue its expansion into the future. The 2006 programme hosted a new festival event Lantern and expanded geographically to West and North Auckland to further increase participation and representation of the diverse cultural landscape that gives Auckland its unique identity. In 2007 the Festival hosts more diverse photography exhibitions and events across the Auckland region including the Light exhibition which showcases the Diwali Festival held at Britomart in October 2006.