About

We invite lens-based artists to explore how nighttime changes how we see the world and how we feel. When the day ends and the streets go quiet, our emotions, memories, and reflections often become much louder. In honor of National Grief Awareness Day on August 30, this open call explores the unique relationship between nighttime and the processing of loss.

Grief comes in many forms, such as losing a loved one, the end of a relationship, moving away from a homeland, or navigating a major life change. Often, the quietest hours of the night are when we face these feelings most deeply. We invite artists to share photographic work captured in the twilight, under artificial streetlights, or in the deep dark that speaks to these personal moments.

However you experience the night – restless, longing, dreaming, or finally at peace – show us how you use light and darkness to tell your story of memory, loss, and healing after hours. The form is up to you.

Selected works will be presented in an online exhibition on Der Greif’s website.

Selected artists will also be invited to take part in small-group online critique sessions as part of Der Greif’s Face-to-Face program. These sessions provide a space for exchange, feedback, and discussion around ongoing work.

WHY SUBMIT?

Selected artists will receive:

• Online exhibition on Der Greif’s Pulse section
• Participation in an online roundtable critique session with peers, facilitated by Der Greif staff
• Visibility within Der Greif’s international community

Selected artists may also be invited to submit their portfolio to Der Greif Studio, creating pathways to artwork sales and commissions.

SELECTION & JURY

Selection is based on:

• Artistic quality
• Conceptual clarity
• Openness to dialogue and process
• Engagement with themes of identity and community

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.