Organizer Information

Athens Photo Festival is one of Europe’s most respected annual photography events, presenting a wide range of photography and image-based artistic practices to international audiences. Operating for nearly four decades, the festival showcases established and emerging voices through exhibitions, public programs, portfolio reviews, workshops, and debates. Collaborating with the Athens Photo Research Center (APhRC), it also supports research, education, and professional development within the global photography community.

Title & Description

Athens Photo Festival 2026 — Open Call for Exhibition Program
The Athens Photo Festival 2026 Open Call invites artists and photographers worldwide to submit work to its Exhibition Program, which encompasses a broad spectrum of photography and image-based media. Accepted projects will be presented at the Main Program exhibition at the Benaki Museum / Pireos 138 in Athens during June–July 2026. The call welcomes diverse formats — from traditional prints to Video/Film, installation, hybrid works, photobooks, and experimental approaches that expand the boundaries of contemporary photographic practice.

Categories

  • Photography
  • Visual Arts
  • Video/Film
  • Installation
  • Mixed Media
  • Audiovisual
  • Photobook & hybrid image practices

Eligibility

  • International artists, photographers, and creators working in any image-based genre.
  • Submission of project work in formats including prints, moving image, installations, photobooks, and hybrid practices.
  • Emerging and established artists are both encouraged to apply.

Program Benefits & Awards

  • Exhibition inclusion for selected projects in the festival’s Main Program at the Benaki Museum / Pireos 138.
  • Production support: the festival covers production costs for works featured in the exhibition.
  • Accommodation support: participating artists receive a two-night stay during the festival.
  • Screening opportunity: 20 additional artists will be invited to present work in a dedicated screening event.
  • Portfolio Reviews: 15 participants receive free access to the International Portfolio Reviews.
  • APhF Talent Lab: 5 selected artists receive free participation in professional development programming.
  • APhF Connect: 50 shortlisted artists are featured on an invitation-only platform connecting to international curators and professionals.
  • Free festival admission for all submitting artists.
  • Digital exposure through the festival’s website, newsletter, and social media.
  • Projects will be included in the official festival catalogue and associated PR campaigns.

Application Fee

  • €25 for the first project submitted
  • €15 for each additional project by the same applicant

Application Requirements

  • Completed entry form submitted online.
  • Project title and description.
  • Portfolio images (a maximum of 20 images per project under digital format).
  • Digital dossier including conceptual and technical details.
  • Artist/collective biography or CV.
  • Installation and technical notes where relevant.

How to Apply?

Online Application

Key Dates

  • Application Deadline: 9 March 2026
  • Status Notification: By 30 March 2026
  • Exhibition Dates: 10 June – 26 July 2026

Location

Benaki Museum / Pireos 138, Athens, Greece

Additional Details

  • All submissions are reviewed by the festival’s curatorial team.
  • Each project must comply with technical, spatial, and production guidelines.
  • Artists must keep acceptance confidential until the official program announcement.
  • Work included in the festival may be used for promotional purposes across print and online platforms.
  • Open Call reflects the festival’s commitment to diversity, inclusion, and contemporary photographic dialogue.

Website Link: https://photofestival.gr/open-call/