Organizer Information
The Associazione Italiana per il Patrimonio Archeologico Industriale (AIPAI) is a non-profit organisation dedicated to the study, protection, and promotion of Italy’s industrial heritage. The contest is co-organized with prestigious partners, including Università Sapienza di Roma, Do.co.mo.mo Italia, the Italian Ministry of Culture, Parco Archeologico dell’Appia Antica, Fondazione AEM, Fondazione ISEC, Fondazione MAIRE, Fondazione musil, RoMe Museum Exhibition, and Rete Fotografia.
Title & Description
AIPAI Photo Contest 2026
An international photography competition inviting original projects that explore Italy’s industrial archaeological heritage—its sites, landscapes, machines, labor memory, and contemporary regeneration. The contest aims to raise awareness of industrial heritage as cultural legacy and encourage artistic reflection on themes of reuse, sustainability, and social memory. The call will be launched on September 28, 2025, at the ex Cartiera Latina (Rome) during European Heritage Days.
Categories
Photography only (project-based series, not single images).
Eligibility
Open worldwide to photographers of any age and level: professionals, amateurs, students, groups, and associations. No restrictions on nationality or experience.
Program Benefits & Awards
- 1st Prize: €1,000 + publication + traveling exhibition
- Premio Giampietro Agostini (€500): best student project
- Premio Mecenati di giovani talenti (€1,000 commission contract): best photographer under 35
Selected works are exhibited, published in the Patrimonio Industriale journal, and promoted across partner networks.
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
- Cohesive photographic project (series)
- Project statement (max 1,000 words)
- Short bio/CV (max 500 words)
- High-resolution images (min 300 DPI)
- Personal/contact details
- For special prizes: proof of student status or age (under 35)
How to Apply?
Online submission only via the EasyChair platform (dedicated track).
Application link: https://easychair.org/conferences/?conf=spiphotocontest2026 (link activates after September 28, 2025)
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 8 December 2025
- Notification Date: 5 February 2026
- Exhibition & publication: throughout 2026
Location
Rome, Italy
Additional Details
Original, unpublished work required. Participants grant AIPAI non-exclusive rights for exhibition and promotion. Ethical access to sites is expected. Past winning projects are available on the website for reference.