• We are delighted to invite you to submit images for the next edition of Fotofestival Lenzburg, a highly anticipated event to be held in Lenzburg and Aarau between the end of May and June 2024. Renowned photographers and emerging talents from all over the world are invited to share their vision by submitting a project or single images related to our festival theme "SYNTHESIS": Synthesis is everywhere, even if not always easy to spot. We understand it as a process that enhances something by combining multiple elements - not unlike a photo festival itself. Yet, the resulting ensemble is greater than its individual parts - not because the individual parts don't matter or don't matter equally, but because they fundamentally do. More about the theme here: https://www.fotofestivallenzburg.ch/en/the-fotofestival-lenzburg/

• The competition is open to all types of photography and aimed at photographers from far and wide. An esteemed international jury of curators will choose the projects that demonstrate a deep understanding of the thematic "SYNTHESIS" and showcase a unique artistic style. 5 selected projects will be exhibited during the 6th edition of the festival, and one project will be awarded the Jury Award, providing support for further development of the artist's photographic research with a prize sum of 1,500 CHF.

• Additionally, one artist will be granted the opportunity to develop her/his project further during an artistic residency in Lenzburg,  from the 14th to the 28th of August 2023. The guest house is suitable for the selected artist and, optionally, one accompanying adult and two children maximal.

• Thanks to the support of the BAT Foundation, the festival starts with this edition the new "Bold and Talented" program:  the festival invites four authors selected through the open call and four young curators, to work together to prepare the exhibitions, under the tutoring of the festival. This program will begin in August 2023, with a start-up weekend, for all artists and curators, to discover the festival and its locations. It will be an occasion for reflecting on the thematic through the participation of guest experts and brainstorming for the upcoming edition.

• An additional group of about 60 single images selected by the jury will be showcased in the shop windows of Lenzburg's historic town centre, with the chance to win the Public's Award, a prize of 1,000 CHF. Each image will have a corresponding number, and the public will be able to vote for their favorite image via QR code.

• The Fotofestival Lenzburg has already featured internationally renowned authors, and this small Swiss town is rapidly becoming a not-to-be-missed event for photography enthusiasts. The town itself will be transformed into an open-air photo gallery with several exhibits, photobooks corners in the bars, and a rich program of events including portfolio reviews, workshops, and talks with authors and experts, creating an intimate and cosy atmosphere.

What winners receive

Category Project

• An exhibition during the 6th edition of the festival for the five selected projects

• The Jury's Prize for the best "Project," with a reward of 1500 CHF

• Artistic Residency: The artist residency includes free accommodation at the Müllerhaus residency guest house for two weeks in August 2023, travel expenses (up to CHF 200) and a small stipend (CHF 500).

• Dedicated feature on the Festival's website and communication channels / features in Festival's partners channels (up to 20 partners)

• Accommodation in Lenzburg for the start-up weekend on August 26/27th 2023

• Accommodation in Lenzburg for the opening's weekend (End of May 2024)

Category Single Image

• Exhibition of the selected image during the Festival for more than 60 single images

• People's Prize for best "Single Image", with a reward of 1.000 CHF

• Dedicated feature on the Festival's website and communication channels / features in Festival's partners channels (up to 20 partners)

About Fotofestival Lenzburg

The Fotofestival Lenzburg is an up-and-coming festival of photography that takes place annually in the history-rich town of Lenzburg in the heart of Switzerland. For one month every year, it brings together participating experts and an interested public. Lenzburg’s proximity to the art metropolises of Zurich and Basel attracts regional and international participants and visitors to the festival. Every year, the Fotofestival Lenzburg transforms its host town into an exhibition space dedicated exclusively to photography, presenting the medium in a wide variety of venues. With curated group and solo exhibitions, guided tours, workshops, portfolio discussions, lectures and accompanying events, the festival presents various photographic positions to be explored. It also offers numerous opportunities to meet and exchange with a community of enthusiasts in an open yet intimate setting. The Fotofestival Lenzburg is a project of the Society for Photography of Lenzburg.

Judging Criteria

The jury will decide which project addresses the theme “SYNTHESIS” with depth, high quality and original photographic language. Projects may have already been produced and exhibited but must be recent (no older than 2019). Photographic projects designed for indoor or open air exhibitions, printed or digital are eligible.