Short Description:
Copenhagen Photo Festival 2026 is showcasing an artistically and conceptually ambitious programme that celebrates creativity and experimentation within photography and lens-based art, and aims to build bridges between fine art and documentary photography.
The festival takes place in the center of Copenhagen as well as at collaborating galleries, museums and cultural institutions in Copenhagen and southern Sweden. Throughout the festival, photography is on the agenda through exhibitions, networking programs, workshops, talks, photobook market and more. In 2026 we will consolidate our presence at The Royal Danish Theatre as our new festival centre in the city center of Copenhagen.
The open call
The open call is for artists and photographers who want to break new ground and challenge the idea of what photography is and can be, now and in the future. The winners of the open call will get the opportunity to present a solo exhibition at Copenhagen Photo Festival 2026.
Copenhagen Photo Festival’s featured solo exhibitions aims to expand the boundaries of exhibiting photography and focus on sustainable development, not least in relation to the specific place the festival is situated, but also with regards to the materiality of displaying photography, as well as presenting new perspectives and emerging talents.
As a solo artist you will work in close collaboration with the curatorial team about the planning of the exhibition. If you are selected as one of the shortlisted artists, you are invited for an interview with the CPF curatorial team in the fall of 2025 before the final selection of the headliners for 2026.
If you are selected we have a sharp focus on promoting your work and exhibition on all our platforms and social media channels. But we also aim to create an on site activity program that revolves around your work through relevant activities, e.g. workshops, guided tours and/or talks. As a selected artist we expect you to participate in the activities program created around you and your work.
Your exhibition will be placed indoors at the festival centre or outdoors in the surrounding area depending on the project and the overall curatorial strategy. In line with festival values the artist should be prepared to think creatively and experimentally in terms of the hangings and/or installations of the works, as it is a core value for the festival to create exhibitions that are true to the festival format and interact engagingly or even surprisingly or contrastfully with the theme, the project itself and the surroundings it will be presented within.
Application Requirements:
- The application must include a biography and a CV.
- Applicants must present a project description of up to 3000 characters that explains the finalized concept.
- The concept must be related to the overarching theme of ‘Forestillinger | Scenarios’
- The project description must outline the concept of your project: The expected number of works, the format and material of the works, if AV equipment is needed and if the project has been exhibited before (see terms and conditions).
- We accept if few works have been exhibited in Denmark before, but not the project as a whole.
- You must present a minimum of 10 images that support the concept.
- Image size: Minimum 1500px on the long side, sRGB.
- Copenhagen Photo Festival commits to providing equal opportunities, and we encourage people of all ethnic backgrounds, races, religions, ages, genders, disabilities, sexual orientations, or social statuses to apply.
- Applicants must be open to dialogue with CPF about the presentation of their work and the program activities surrounding it.
- We encourage exhibitors to consider themselves ambassadors of the festival and expect them to take part in activities both before and during the festival, both online and in person.
- We also expect exhibitors to participate in activities such as videos or podcasts relating to their exhibition or to offer a public presentation during the festival.
- Important: If you were selected as a CPF solo artist within the last three years, we recommend you to wait till next year
- Important: Projects that have been shortlisted in previous years will not be considered again. So we encourage you to send another project if you have been shortlisted for CPF before.
Eligibility:
Open Worldwide
Program Benefits or Awards:
As an exhibitor at Copenhagen Photo Festival, your work will receive international exposure on a plethora of platforms giving you a chance to connect with other art and photography professionals. Exhibitors will more specifically receive:
- A solo exhibition in the heart of Copenhagen
- € 537 fee as a festival participant.
- € 400 support for travel to and accommodation in CPH (for international photographers)
- €134 support for food and local transport
- Copenhagen Photo Festival will cover the expenses for the exhibition
- A targeted PR- and marketing strategy for your exhibition on Copenhagen Photo Festival’s communication platforms
- The possibility to meet and make contact with other exhibitors, curators and professionals during your stay in Copenhagen
Entry Fee: 200 DKK (27 €)
Location: Copenhagen, Denmark
Deadline: 16 September 2025
Website link:
https://copenhagenphotofestival.com/
More:
https://copenhagenphotofestival.com/open-call-2026/
