Melbourne PHOTO International Festival

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PHOTO 2026 International Festival of Photography invites emerging, mid-career, and established artists worldwide to showcase their work as large-scale outdoor public artworks in Melbourne. Selected artists will have their work exhibited on building facades and freestanding frames, transforming the city’s streets into an open-air gallery. The festival is a leading global platform for contemporary photography.

 

Information & Application Details:

  • 15 January 2025 – Submissions open
  • 27 February 2025 – Submission deadline
  • 30 June 2025 – Notification of results
  • November 2025 – PHOTO 2026 program announcement
  • March 2026 – Festival begins
  • Application fee: $45 AUD (waived for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants and Australian welfare recipients).

 

Eligibility:

  • Open to artists and photographers of all nationalities.
  • Must submit work that responds to the theme.
  • Images must be suitable for public display.

 

Theme:

PHOTO 2026: “Show Me Love”
Artists are encouraged to explore love in all its forms and its absence, reflecting on its social, cultural, and emotional impact. The theme offers a lens through which to address connection, healing, inequality, passion, and desire.

 

How to Apply:

  • Submit photographic works that align with the theme “Show Me Love”.
  • AI-generated images must be disclosed.
  • All applications must be in English.

 

Submission Requirements:

  • High-quality photographic works (single or multiple images).
  • Artist statement explaining how the work responds to the theme.
  • Payment of submission fee (if applicable).
  • Works must be original and not infringe copyright.

 

Selection Process:

  • Reviewed based on artistic excellence, thematic relevance, and suitability for public display.
  • Selected artists will be consulted on presentation.
  • Artists retain intellectual property rights but must grant PHOTO Australia a license to exhibit.
  • No feedback provided for unsuccessful applications.

 

Jurors:

The selection panel includes international curators, critics, and photography experts such as Lucy Gallun, Clare Grafik, Varun Gupta, Shaune Lakin, Brendan McCleary, Clothilde Morette, Sophia Sambono, Dr Mark Sealy.

 

Program Benefits/Awards:

  • Selected artists receive an artist fee.
  • Work exhibited at PHOTO 2026 International Festival of Photography.
  • Exposure alongside globally renowned artists and institutions.
  • Opportunity to connect with the international photography community.

 

Contact & Resources:

 

Website link:

https://site.picter.com/photo-2026-open-call

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