Photography Contest
PhMuseum Days 2026 Photography Festival Open Call
Deadline |
CLOSEDTheme |
ArchipelagoTerritory |
WorldwideEligibility |
Open to allEntry Fees |
Between 20 Eurosand 30 EurosPrizes |
Cash PrizeHost |
PH MuseumExhibit your work in Bologna within the theme: Archipelago
Present your work to exhibit at PhMuseum Days 2026, our International Photography Festival taking place on 1–4 October in Bologna, Italy.
For the first time, the festival will happen jointly with Photobook Mania, the 2nd edition of our publishing fair, offering a complete platform to enjoy contemporary photography in person.
In an era of digital fragmentation and closing borders, ARCHIPELAGO is the theme of this 5th edition.
It draws inspiration from the 2005 book by Massimo Cacciari with the aim to explore crisis as both an inherent part of our journey and an opportunity to discover new models of coexistence.
We are looking for projects that explore or question the cultural islands of our time, offering a space for dialogue capable of integrating the other and opening new mental horizons.
Through this open call, at least 3 artists will be granted a solo show within the Festival’s new main venue, the historical Ex Ospedale dei Bastardini.
Another project will be selected for a solo public installation on former municipality billboards.
Both opportunities provide full production coverage, a €300 artist fee, and a contribution to travel expenses for the inaugural weekend.
Plus, up to 40 single images will be chosen to take part in a sculptural, collective installation, while up to 20 works will be screened.
As an applicant, you can claim a free festival pass.
We look forward to reviewing your applications - together with a jury comprising photographers who exhibited within the last edition - with the hope your work will contribute to explore the space of archipelagic thinking.
Artists exhibited in previous editions include Alejandro Chaskielberg, Andy Sewell, Angelica Dass, Brea Souders,
Camilla de Maffei, Carla Liesching,
Felicity Hammond, Gloria Oyarzabal, Leonardo Magrelli, Mahalia Taje Giotto, Marcelo Brodsky, Nikita Teryoshin,
Pacifico Silano, Silvia Rosi, Taysir Batniji, Thomas Mailaender, Vasantha Yogananthan and more.
Image: © Kamil Zihnioglu
Present your work to exhibit at PhMuseum Days 2026, our International Photography Festival taking place on 1–4 October in Bologna, Italy.
For the first time, the festival will happen jointly with Photobook Mania, the 2nd edition of our publishing fair, offering a complete platform to enjoy contemporary photography in person.
In an era of digital fragmentation and closing borders, ARCHIPELAGO is the theme of this 5th edition.
It draws inspiration from the 2005 book by Massimo Cacciari with the aim to explore crisis as both an inherent part of our journey and an opportunity to discover new models of coexistence.
We are looking for projects that explore or question the cultural islands of our time, offering a space for dialogue capable of integrating the other and opening new mental horizons.
Through this open call, at least 3 artists will be granted a solo show within the Festival’s new main venue, the historical Ex Ospedale dei Bastardini.
Another project will be selected for a solo public installation on former municipality billboards.
Both opportunities provide full production coverage, a €300 artist fee, and a contribution to travel expenses for the inaugural weekend.
Plus, up to 40 single images will be chosen to take part in a sculptural, collective installation, while up to 20 works will be screened.
As an applicant, you can claim a free festival pass.
We look forward to reviewing your applications - together with a jury comprising photographers who exhibited within the last edition - with the hope your work will contribute to explore the space of archipelagic thinking.
Artists exhibited in previous editions include Alejandro Chaskielberg, Andy Sewell, Angelica Dass, Brea Souders,
Camilla de Maffei, Carla Liesching,
Felicity Hammond, Gloria Oyarzabal, Leonardo Magrelli, Mahalia Taje Giotto, Marcelo Brodsky, Nikita Teryoshin,
Pacifico Silano, Silvia Rosi, Taysir Batniji, Thomas Mailaender, Vasantha Yogananthan and more.
Image: © Kamil Zihnioglu
Featured Photo Contest
AAP Magazine #62 / TRAVELS
Our 62nd printed issue of AAP Magazine will feature the best projects showcasing the theme: Travels. Reflect on your past or current adventures, expand our horizons from the four corners of the globe!
© Indranil Sengupta
Best Photography Contests in 2025
Each year, there are hundreds of photography competitions all over the world, so we've decided to select for you the best of the best! Our selection of the best photo contests in 2025 is thoroughly curated to help you, whether you are a professional photographer or an amateur, to help find your next creative breakthrough. These all-star competitions offer the greatest opportunities for international exposure and/or incredible financial benefits. Some of them are closing soon, so get your photo submissions in!
ENDS 10/13/26
For 2026, the amount of the W. Eugene Smith Student Grant is $5,000. The grant provides two students with the opportunity to complete a photographic essay.
ENDS 10/13/26
For 2026, the amount of the W. Eugene Smith Grant is $30,000, and two additional $10,000 Finalist Grants will be awarded.
ENDS 10/14/26
This year we're excited to exhibit our Emerging Talent winners in Paris alongside Paris Photo, the world's largest international art fair dedicated to photography!
ENDS 10/14/26
From crossing paths with a black cat to honoring ancestors at vibrant altars, humans have always used stories, rituals, and visual symbols to make sense of fate, luck, and the unseen.
ENDS 10/15/26
A total of $8,000 in grants will be awarded to three outstanding artists
ENDS 10/15/26
€10,000 in cash plus an exhibition at PhMuseum Lab, screenings at PhotoVogue Festival, and more
ENDS 10/16/26
We are looking for your travel photographs, near and far, to the edge of the earth and to the places perhaps known only to you.
ENDS 10/31/26
If you're a passionate amateur or professional photographer, we invite you to share your photographic project with us.
ENDS 11/01/26
The best photographs will be presented in an exhibition in the Principality of Monaco, then touring in various locations around the world, as well as in a high-quality photography book.
ENDS 11/05/26
To help photographers improve their chances, we have launched a portfolio and contest submission review service.
ENDS 11/05/26
The acclaimed and renonwned photography grant contest from Gomma. The ninth year in the making. High international exposure and funding.
ENDS 11/17/26
Exhibition: 34 photographers exhibited in Barcelona, Spain, from November 5 to December 11, 2026, at Centre Cívic Pati Llimona
ENDS 11/22/26
The criteria for selection by a jury of professional in the photographic field are a height creative level, originality and a coherent personal vision.
ENDS 11/30/26
Selected photobooks will be featured in Der Greif’s Articles section, including a dedicated editorial feature highlighting the project, its context, and the maker(s).
ENDS 12/01/26
Empowering photographers and storytellers to tell powerful, long-term stories about the people and communities protecting our planet and wildlife.
ENDS 12/08/26
The Rencontres d’Arles is pleased to announce the launch of the 2026 Discovery Award. Jury award of €15,000 and public award of €5,000
ENDS 01/02/27
Turn your unique perspective on architecture into an award-winning visual narrative in the Luis Ferreira Alves Photography Competition.
ENDS 01/05/27
Dedicated to young photographers under 19 years-old - first prize is top Sony digital imaging equipment plus benefit from global exposure
ENDS 01/05/27
Rewarding the best single images! Enter for free and you could win $5,000, top Sony digital imaging equipment plus more!
ENDS 01/12/27
Rewarding the best photo series worldwide! Enter for free and you could win $25,000, a range of Sony digital imaging equipment plus more!
ENDS 02/07/27
Competition dedicated to telling food stories through photography
ENDS 03/31/27
Entries are open worldwide to photographers using an iPhone or iPad. Photos should not be published previously anywhere. The posts on personal accounts (Facebook, Instagram etc.) are eligible.
ENDS 03/31/27
Exhibition at the Pure Street Photography Awards Exhibition in India
ENDS 11/26/27
Provides a platform for photography students worldwide - first prize is top Sony digital imaging equipment plus benefit from global exposure