About

The "Earth Day 2026" open call invites lens-based artists to deconstruct the traditional and colonial history of "landscape photography" by engaging with the intersectional and systemic realities of our planet. This initiative centers on ecocriticism, examining the parallel histories of environmental exploitation while rooting artistic practice in the commitment to understanding and living in harmony with the specificities of one’s local geographic region and beyond. We seek works that move beyond the human-centric gaze to acknowledge non-human agency, treating plants, animals, and geological formations as active protagonists rather than passive photographic subjects.

Rather than centering competition, Earthly Fabulations foreground process, dialogue, and mutual support. Selected works will be presented in an ephemeral online exhibition on Der Greif’s homepage for one month, creating a temporary yet visible gathering of practices from across geographies and contexts.

At the core of this initiative is Der Greif’s commitment to education and peer learning through our Face-to-Face program. Selected artists will be invited to participate in small-group online critique sessions, where they can share work-in-progress, exchange feedback with one another, and receive guidance from our Der Greif team.

This call is an invitation to be in conversation on photography, non-human agents, and how we co-live and care for the environment.

This call is an invitation to be in conversation on photography, care, and how we grow together.

Who can submit?

• Emerging and mid-career artists encouraged
• International submissions welcome

WHY SUBMIT?

Selected artists will receive:

• Online exhibition on Der Greif's homepage for one month (April--May 2026)

• Participation in an intimate online roundtable critique session with peers, facilitated by Der Greif staff

• Visibility within Der Greif's international community

• Selected artists will be invited to submit their portfolio to Der Greif Studio, our bridge to the commercial world, creating pathways to artwork sales and commissions within hospitality, corporate, and cultural spaces internationally.

SELECTION & JURY

• Selection is based on:

• Artistic quality

• Conceptual clarity

• Openness to dialogue and process

• Relevance to the spirit of ecology and environmental critique

Voluntary Donation

Der Greif is a registered non-profit. In these challenging economic times – especially for arts organizations and artists – we are convinced to provide a vital platform for our community. If you're in the position to support this mission, we value your support.

Since launching Guest Room in January 2015, we've invited a broad range of professionals (gallerists, editors, curators) to create opportunities for artists to share their work and get it in front of an international network they might not have access to otherwise. We are more commited than ever to continue this work.

We suggest a voluntary 10€ donation to help us sustain these efforts. If you'd like to support us further, we also accept regular donations via our Raisely page.

If you're unable to contribute financially, please email voucher-special-2@dergreif.org to receive a 50% or 100% discount code. Your artistic and financial contributions enable our continued growth.

About Der Greif

Der Greif is an award-winning organization for contemporary photography. It is print-publication, online-publication, curatorial team and joint project all at once. Der Greif connects the digital and the analogue, exploring and expanding the borders and limits of image-distribution and -reception in the digital era.