About

• We are delighted to invite you to submit photographic projects and images for the next edition of Fotofestival Lenzburg, a not-to-be missed event to be held in Lenzburg and Aarau between May and June 2026. Renowned photographers and emerging talents from all over the world are invited to share their interpretation of the Festival theme by submitting a project or single images. The project and images can be new or already existing and previously exhibited. FOREVER HAPPY investigates happiness and its ubiquitous yet contradictory positions in contemporary society. How can images help us understand happiness and its limits? More about the theme here: https://www.fotofestivallenzburg.ch/open-call-2025/

• The competition is open to all types of photography and aimed at Swiss and international photographers and artists working with photography and still images.

• An esteemed international jury of experts in the field will evaluate the artistic qualities of the entries and select projects that provide an original contribution to the Festival theme "FOREVER HAPPY". Three projects will be exhibited during the 7th edition of the Festival. One of the exhibited project will be awarded with the Jury Award sponsored by the Artphilein De Pietri Foundation, with a prize sum of 1,500 CHF, will be showcased at Artphilein Focus in Paradiso/Lugano, and will be selected for a publication in the Artphilein Cahier series.

• From the Single Images open call, the jury will select 40 outstanding photographs to be displayed in the shop windows of Lenzburg's historic city centre. Each image will be assigned a unique number, allowing the public to vote for their favourite via QR code. This open-air exhibition is part of the Public's Award, which grants a prize of 1,000 CHF to the winning image.

• The Fotofestival Lenzburg has already showcased internationally renowned photographers, and this small Swiss town is quickly gaining recognition as a prominent photography event, offering artists a global platform. During the festival, the town transforms into an open-air photo gallery, featuring multiple exhibitions, photobook corners in cafés, and a diverse program of events, including portfolio reviews, workshops, and talks with photographers and experts. This unique setting creates an intimate and welcoming atmosphere, inviting a wide audience to immerse themselves in both professional and artistic photography.

What winners receive

Category Project

• Solo exhibition during the 7th edition of the Festival for three selected projects

• The Jury's Prize for the best "Project," with a reward of 1500 CHF, sponsored by the Artphilein De Pietri Foundation

• Winning project will be showcased at Artphilein Focus, Paradiso / Lugano.

• Publication in the Artphilein Cahier series

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

• Accommodation in Lenzburg for the opening's weekend (May 2026)

Category Single Image

• Exhibition of the selected image during the Festival for more than 40 single images

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

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

About Fotofestival Lenzburg

The Fotofestival Lenzburg is a lively photo event dedicated to contemporary photography, which takes place bi-annually in the history-rich town of Lenzburg in the heart of Switzerland. For one month 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 edition, 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 “FOREVER HAPPY” with depth, high quality and original photographic language. Projects may have already been produced and exhibited but must be recent (no older than 2021). Photographic projects designed for indoor or open-air exhibitions, printed or digital are eligible.