About

Essay for the Future: Considering the present as we imagine and build the future together.

For the 33rd edition of Encontros da Imagem, we wish to explore the challenges that the world continues to experience and keep up the necessary conversations on topics such as representation, inclusion, environmental sustainability, the politics of everyday life, and the power of change held by social movements. There is an urgent need to stop and listen. While democracy weakens and extremists gain ground in the frenzy of both virtual and real life, we wish to take a step back and think of new forms of organization, ways of life, and creation.

Encontros da Imagem returns to Braga this year between September 15 and October 28, with a new leadership and an approach that looks forward while using the past as guidance. With exhibitions also in Porto, Guimarães, and Barcelos, we hope to democratize photography for its fruition and creation --- and to hear both the individual and collective experience.

Our first open call of the year is open for submissions between March 7 and April 23. Join us in making the future.

What winners receive

• The finalists will have their work produced and exhibited at the 2023 edition of the festival;

• The finalists will have their work published in the catalog of the 2023 edition;

• The winner of the Discovery Awards will be awarded with 1000€ (one thousand euros)

About the organization

Encontros da Imagem, with more than thirty years of existence, is a non-profit cultural association that promotes annually an International Photography and Visual Arts Festival in the city of Braga, Portugal. The festival celebrates classic and contemporary photography and visual arts in general by showcasing emerging and established artists. Every year Encontros da Imagem promotes an open call for the Discovery Awards, where the winners have the opportunity to exhibit their work during the festival. Encontros da Imagem also organizes another award - Emergentes - International Photography Award Encontros da Imagem, this prize is awarded after the Portfolio Review, which gives photographers the opportunity to show their work to an international jury, composed by commissioners, gallery owners and expert editors, thus establishing solid foundations for the promotion of their work. The festival has developed an eclectic programme. This year the theme is Essay for the Future, where numerous artists emerging and established, national and international will be shown in several public and private spaces (historical and monumental buildings, museums, galleries and others). Encontros da Imagem is a cultural photographic reference in Portugal, and has reached a prominent position in the international panorama, being one of the oldest photography festivals in Europe.