Organizer Information
The Photometria International Photography Festival is a non-profit cultural organization based in Greece, dedicated to promoting contemporary photography and visual culture through exhibitions, educational programs, and international competitions. Established as one of the key photography festivals in Southeast Europe, Photometria combines artistic production with public engagement, supporting both emerging and established photographers. Its annual program includes exhibitions, portfolio reviews, workshops, and international open calls that foster critical dialogue around contemporary photographic practices. The festival also collaborates with internationally recognized artists, curators, and institutions, strengthening its position as a platform for global photographic exchange.
Title & Description
Photometria Awards Open Call 2026 – “Coming of Age (18+)”
The Photometria Awards 2026 is an international Photography competition inviting artists to explore the theme “Coming of Age (18+)”, curated under the conceptual framework of transition, identity formation, and social maturity. As the festival itself reaches its 18th edition, the theme reflects both symbolic and cultural notions of adulthood—not as a fixed legal boundary, but as an evolving psychological and social condition.
The open call encourages photographers to investigate the tensions between innocence and responsibility, freedom and control, and individuality versus societal expectation. Participants are invited to interpret “coming of age” as a liminal state where identity is continuously negotiated through personal experience, social structures, and emotional transformation.
Selected works will be exhibited at the 18th Photometria International Photography Festival in Ioannina, with additional touring exhibitions following the festival. The program also includes a competitive awards structure, jury selection, and a public exhibition of shortlisted works.
This opportunity positions photography as a reflective medium for exploring autonomy, bodily identity, and transitional life stages, making it particularly relevant for documentary, conceptual, and fine art practitioners.
Categories
- Photography
- Visual Arts
- Art
Submissions are open in a single thematic category:
- “Coming of Age (18+)” (thematic photography competition)
Eligibility
- Open internationally to all photographers
- Suitable for both emerging and professional artists
- No geographical restrictions
- Participants must submit original photographic works only
- AI-generated images are strictly prohibited
- Individual participation only (no group restriction specified)
Program Benefits & Awards
Selected participants and winners will receive:
- Exhibition of the top 25 selected photographs at the Photometria International Photography Festival
- International touring exhibition after the festival
- Award/Prize structure including:
- 1st Prize: Nikon Z30 Kit with lens (sponsored)
- 2nd & 3rd Prize: Signed photo book by Alec Soth
- Opportunity for one of the top three winners to hold a solo exhibition in the following edition of the festival
- International exposure through festival programming and exhibitions
- Jury recognition by internationally established photographer Alec Soth
- Publication and promotion within festival media channels
Application Fee
- 1 photo: Free of charge
- 3 photos: €5 entry fee
Application Requirements
- 1 or up to 3 photographic works
- File size: maximum 400 KB per image
- Online submission form (confirmation email provided upon entry)
Selected artists (Top 25) must later provide:
- High-resolution original files for exhibition printing
Additional conditions:
- Works must be original and owned by the applicant
- AI-generated images are not allowed
- Submission implies acceptance of festival terms and conditions
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 31 May 2026
- Exhibition Period: During the 18th Photometria International Photography Festival
- Post-Festival Touring Exhibition: Following the main exhibition period
Location
Ioannina, Greece
Additional Details
- Jury decisions are final and non-contestable
- Works are selected based on composition, coherence, and thematic relevance
- Organizers may exhibit and publish submitted works with credit to the artists
- Photographers retain copyright, but grant exhibition and publication rights
- Printed works are not returned to participants
- Non-compliance with submission rules results in disqualification
- Festival reserves the right to exclude AI-generated content and take legal action if necessary
- Participation implies full acceptance of all terms