Organizer Information
The opportunity is organized by Filter Photo, a contemporary photography-focused platform and exhibition space dedicated to supporting emerging and mid-career artists working in photographic and lens-based practices. Based in the United States, Filter Photo operates as an independent curatorial organization that promotes experimental approaches to Photography, image-making, and expanded visual storytelling.
The organization is known for its commitment to accessible exhibition opportunities, fair compensation practices guided by W.A.G.E. (Working Artists and the Greater Economy) standards, and an open call system that encourages both artists and curators to propose exhibitions. Filter Photo collaborates with curators, museums, and arts professionals internationally, and its advisory panel includes leading figures from major institutions such as the Art Institute of Chicago, MoCP, and the Center for Creative Photography.
Its mission is to provide a platform where artists can develop exhibition proposals that engage critically with photographic discourse, including installation, performance, and multimedia practices connected to lens-based media.
Title & Description
Exhibition Proposal Open Call – Filter Photo 2026
This open call invites artists, curators, and collectives to submit proposals for exhibitions centred on Photography and lens-based practices. The programme is designed to support experimental, conceptual, and expanded approaches to photographic production, including installation-based work, moving image, and performative or interdisciplinary extensions of photographic practice.
Applicants are encouraged to develop proposals for solo, duo, or group exhibitions that engage critically with the material, conceptual, or social dimensions of photography. Proposals may include gallery-based presentations as well as site-responsive installations and accompanying public programming such as talks, performances, or workshops.
The curatorial framework is intentionally flexible, allowing for contemporary interpretations of photographic practice. Projects may explore documentary, conceptual, archival, or experimental approaches, as long as they remain grounded in or connected to lens-based media.
Selected exhibitions will be realized in collaboration with Filter Photo’s curatorial team and advisory panel, which includes internationally recognized curators and museum professionals. The programme aims to foster dialogue between artists and institutions while supporting new curatorial and artistic experimentation in the field of contemporary photography.
Categories
- Photography
- Video/Film
- Installation
- Multimedia
- Performance
- Curatorial
- Interdisciplinary Arts
- Media Arts
- Exhibition-based Practices
- Site-specific
Eligibility
The opportunity is open internationally to:
- Individual artists
- Curators
- Artist collectives
- Emerging and mid-career practitioners
Applicants must:
- Work within or engage with Photography or lens-based practices
- Be able to submit a complete exhibition proposal
- Include all required documentation (images, CV, statement)
- Be willing to participate in exhibition development with Filter Photo staff if selected
There are no stated geographic restrictions, making this an international open call.
Program Benefits & Awards
Selected applicants will receive:
- Curated exhibition opportunity with Filter Photo
- Financial stipend based on W.A.G.E. guidelines
- Solo exhibition: $1250
- Two-person exhibition: $625 per artist
- Group exhibition (3–5 artists): $315 per artist
- Professional exhibition production support and curatorial development
- Institutional visibility through Filter Photo’s exhibition programme
- Potential sales revenue split (70% artist / 30% institution)
- Advisory input from leading curators and museum professionals
- Opportunity to present public programming (talks, performances, events)
- Institutional documentation and exhibition support
This programme prioritizes professional visibility, curatorial engagement, and fair compensation for participating artists.
Application Fee
- Submission Fee: $25 (non-refundable)
Application Requirements
- Artist or curatorial statement (maximum 500 words)
- CV and brief biography for all participants
- 10–12 sample images of proposed or relevant works (JPEG, 1000px longest side)
- Installation images (recommended, if applicable)
- Multimedia links (optional, max 5 minutes total runtime)
- Exhibition layout plans (strongly recommended for installation-based proposals)
- Description of proposed programming (talks, performances, etc.)
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 17 June 2026
- Notification Date: August 2026
Location
United States
Additional Details
This open call emphasizes Photography as an expanded field, welcoming moving image, installation, and hybrid media approaches. Applicants are strongly encouraged to incorporate spatial thinking, exhibition design, and contextual programming into their proposals.
Accepted artists will work directly with Filter Photo staff to refine exhibition layouts, scheduling, and production logistics. While a production stipend is provided, artists remain responsible for shipping and production costs.
All submitted works must engage meaningfully with lens-based practices, though the institution explicitly supports conceptual and interdisciplinary interpretations of photographic media.
The programme also includes a sales model with a 70/30 artist-to-institution revenue split, reinforcing professional exhibition pathways for participating artists.