Organizer Information
Fotografia Europea is an internationally renowned biennial festival of contemporary photography, established in 2005 in Reggio Emilia, Italy, and organized by the non-profit association Fotografia Europea in partnership with the Municipality of Reggio Emilia. Drawing inspiration from the visionary legacy of Italian photographer Luigi Ghirri, the festival explores photography's capacity to capture the nuances of modern existence, blending artistic innovation with societal reflection. For over 15 years, its Open Call has served as a vital incubator for emerging talents, curators, and collectives, propelling many participants to global acclaim through exhibitions, publications, and collaborations. The 2026 edition is generously supported by Iren as a special sponsor, underscoring the festival's commitment to discovering fresh perspectives on pressing contemporary issues. Annually attracting over 50,000 visitors, Fotografia Europea transforms the historic city center into a dynamic canvas of visual narratives, fostering interdisciplinary dialogues and promoting accessibility, sustainability, and diversity in the photographic arts. This platform not only showcases cutting-edge works but also hosts workshops, talks, and public engagements, making it a cornerstone of Europe's cultural landscape for photographers seeking to amplify their voices.
Title & Description
Fotografia Europea | FE2026 Open Call – Fantasmi del Quotidiano (Ghosts of the Everyday).
This open call beckons photographers, curators, and collectives to unearth the "ghosts of the everyday"—those spectral presences that linger in the folds of routine life, from ephemeral memories and unspoken anxieties to environmental echoes and the blurred boundaries between presence and absence. The theme probes the invisible forces that shape our realities, inviting participants to wield photography as a portal to the imagination, illuminating the shadows where disappearance intersects with endurance. Artists are urged to craft projects that interrogate these liminal spaces, whether through intimate documentaries, speculative installations, or conceptual series, transforming the ordinary into a site of profound inquiry. By questioning the persistence of what haunts us—in images, thoughts, and shared histories—the selected works will contribute to a festival-wide meditation on temporality, identity, and resilience. This opportunity empowers creators to challenge conventional storytelling, fostering empathy and critical discourse amid an era of rapid change, while integrating their visions into a prestigious program that bridges personal introspection with collective awakening.
Categories
Photography (encompassing individual or series of still images, curatorial projects, installations, or multimedia works rooted in photographic practice; open to documentary, conceptual, experimental, and hybrid approaches).
Eligibility
Open to all photographers, curators, and collectives of any age and experience level, provided they are European nationals or legal residents in Europe. Projects must be original and unpublished in this context, with a creative engagement of the theme required. Diversity is actively encouraged, welcoming submissions from underrepresented voices, including those from marginalized communities, without restrictions on gender, ethnicity, or professional background. Note that if artificial intelligence is used to generate or significantly manipulate images, this must be explicitly disclosed to ensure transparency.
Program Benefits & Awards
The selected artist, curator, or collective is awarded a €3,000 production grant, sponsored by Iren, to fund the development and realization of their exhibition, including materials, travel, and fabrication costs. Comprehensive festival support encompasses curatorial consultation for design and organization, a prime exhibition space within the official program, professional setup and dismantling services, full insurance coverage for artworks during the event, and extensive promotion via all channels—encompassing the festival website, social media, printed catalogs, press kits, and international media outreach. This holistic package not only elevates visibility to a global audience of collectors, critics, and peers but also historically catalyzes further advancements, such as residencies, commissions, book deals, and invitations to major biennials. Participants gain invaluable networking opportunities, public engagement through talks and tours, and a lasting portfolio boost, all while contributing to a legacy of innovative photography that resonates far beyond the festival's duration.
Application Fee
A non-refundable registration fee of €25 applies to all submissions, payable online prior to application.
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit 5 to 10 high-quality images (total file size not exceeding 10 MB, in standard formats like JPEG or PDF at 300 DPI), accompanied by comprehensive project documentation including a detailed artist/curator bio, project statement (outlining concept, theme alignment, and production needs), CV or professional history, and proof of payment receipt. Additional elements such as supporting texts, sketches, or video walkthroughs (if relevant) are encouraged to contextualize the work. All materials should emphasize originality and ethical practices; AI usage must be declared. Incomplete or non-compliant submissions risk disqualification.
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 9 January 2026
- Notification Date: End of January 2026
- Event Dates: April 30 to June 14, 2026
Location
Reggio Emilia, Italy
Additional Details
Projects are evaluated by a distinguished jury of festival curators, prioritizing thematic depth, innovation, and feasibility. Selected participants commit to collaborating on production, providing catalog materials by specified deadlines, attending the opening event, and facilitating public interactions where possible. Artists handle round-trip transport and packaging of works, with festival insurance covering only the on-site period. The festival emphasizes sustainability, urging eco-friendly practices in submissions.