Organizer Information
LensCulture is a leading international platform dedicated to contemporary photography. Founded in 2004, LensCulture highlights emerging and established photographers worldwide, offering exhibitions, online publications, competitions, and career development opportunities. The organisation fosters dialogue and exploration of photography as both a visual art and a social practice. LensCulture collaborates with galleries, museums, and cultural institutions globally to showcase innovative photographic works.
Title & Description
LensCulture Art Photography Awards 2026
This prestigious award celebrates contemporary photographers who challenge, innovate, and redefine the medium. Artists can submit single images or series across a wide range of photographic practices, including conceptual, experimental, analogue, digital, narrative, cinematic, environmental, abstract, and mixed-media photography. Winners and selected finalists gain international recognition, exhibition opportunities, online exposure, and professional development. The competition aims to support and amplify emerging and established photographic voices worldwide.
Categories
- Single Image
- Series (2–10 images)
- Conceptual / Experimental Photography
- Narrative / Cinematic / Environmental
- Abstract / Portrait / Still Life / Mixed Media
Eligibility
- Open to international artists and photographers from all countries.
- No age, gender, or career-level restrictions.
- Submissions can be by individuals or collectives.
- Submitted work must be original and owned by the applicant(s).
Program Benefits & Awards
Series Category:
- 1st Place: US$ 3,500
- 2nd Place: US$ 2,000
- 3rd Place: US$ 1,000
Single Image Category:
- 1st Place: US$ 2,000
- 2nd Place: US$ 1,000
- 3rd Place: US$ 500
Additional Benefits:
- 25 finalists featured and highlighted on the LensCulture platform and international promotions.
- Juror’s Picks selected for special recognition.
- International visibility through online publications, exhibitions, and press coverage.
- Networking opportunities with curators, galleries, and global photography communities.
Application Fee
- Single entry: Free (limited to one free entry per person)
- Additional single entries (5+): US$ 35
- Series submission (2–10 images): US$45
- Payment is processed online through the LensCulture submission portal.
Application Requirements
- High-resolution image files (single or series).
- Artist CV/biography.
- Short artist statement or description of submitted work.
- Contact information (email, website, social media if applicable).
- Optional: links to video or multimedia work if relevant.
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 15 January 2026
- Notification of Winners / Selected Works: Early 2026
- Exhibition / Online Display: 2026
Location
- Organizer Base: Amsterdam, Netherlands (LensCulture’s headquarters).
- Exhibition for Winners: New York, USA (during The Photography Show)
- Online Exposure: Through LensCulture’s platform globally.
Additional Details
- Submissions should be original and comply with copyright laws. Artists retain ownership of their work.
- Selected works may be published online or promoted by LensCulture.
- Judges include internationally recognized photographers, curators, and art professionals.
- LensCulture encourages innovative, experimental, and boundary-pushing photography.
Website Link: https://www.lensculture.com/
