Organizer Information:

PhMuseum. An international photography platform. The open call is for PhMuseum Days 2026, their International Photography Festival in Bologna, Italy, which will happen jointly with Photobook Mania (a publishing fair).

Title & Description:

Applications are open for the 2026 PhMuseum Days Photography Open Call.

The theme for this 5th edition is ARCHIPELAGO. Drawing inspiration from Massimo Cacciari, the festival aims to explore crisis as both an inherent part of our journey and an opportunity to discover new models of coexistence. The curators are looking for projects that explore or question the cultural islands of our time, offering a space for dialogue capable of integrating the "other" and opening new mental horizons.

Category:

Photography & Mixed Media.

Eligibility:

  • Who: Open to photographers and visual artists worldwide. Both finished and ongoing works are accepted. Collaborative projects are welcome.
  • Mixed Media & AI Usage: Mixed media projects are welcome as long as photography is at the core. If you use generative AI programs, you MUST explicitly state this in your project text, detailing your working process and the archive you employed.
  • File Format: Images must be JPG or PNG. TIFF and other formats are strictly NOT allowed.

Program Benefits & Awards:

  • 3 Solo Exhibitions (Main Venue): Selected photographers receive full production coverage (up to €2,500+VAT), a €300 artist fee, and a travel contribution to attend the inaugural weekend (€300 for Italy, €500 for Europe, €800 from overseas).
  • 1 Public Billboard Installation: A solo exhibition on eleven public billboards in Bologna’s historical center. Includes full production coverage, a €300 artist fee, and the same travel contributions listed above.
  • Sculptural Installation (Archiginnasio): Up to 40 images will be printed on semi-transparent tissue and mounted on a massive scaffolding pipe system in the historical courtyard.
  • Video Screenings: Up to 20 projects will be selected for daily collective video projections in the main venue.
  • Perk: All applicants can claim a free festival pass.

Application Fee & Program Costs:

  • Earlybird Fee: $28 USD / €24 EUR (If submitted by April 16, 2026).
  • Regular Fee: $34 USD / €30 EUR.

Application Requirements:

  • Submission Portal: Applications are processed via the PhMuseum website.
  • Image Limits: You must upload a minimum of 5 photos and a maximum of 20 photos (Max 20MB each; ideal resolution is 72dpi with at least 1000px on the shortest side).
  • Text Requirement: A description of your project explaining its concept/story (approx. 500 words recommended).

How to Apply?

Create a PhMuseum account, upload your images and text, and pay the entry fee via their official portal.

Key Dates:

  • Earlybird Deadline: April 16, 2026.
  • Final Application Deadline: May 7, 2026.
  • Festival Dates: October 1–4, 2026 (Archiginnasio installation runs Sept 19 – Oct 8).

Location:

Ex Ospedale dei Bastardini and various locations across Bologna, Italy.

Contact Information:

Inquiries Email: support@phmuseum.com