About

The International Photography Festivals Association (IPFA) invites photographers and artists from all over the world to take part in the IPFA Award 2026. This open call goes beyond a traditional prize; it is an international platform to explore, share and transform contemporary photography, connecting photographers with festivals, curators and audiences worldwide. From your images to the world: join this global movement of photography festivals.

Your work will have the opportunity to be seen by directors and curators of photography festivals worldwide, expanding your visibility and international reach. With a single application, your project will be reviewed by representatives from 20 international photography festivals. You may be selected for a solo exhibition at a participating festival or become one of the 50 finalists in a travelling collective exhibition, opening in July 2027 at Sala Golfes in Barcelona during the IPFA Meeting 2027, before touring other member festivals.

With no fixed theme, we welcome projects of any style or approach, including contemporary, documentary, social, urban and street, analogue, nature and wildlife, or creative and experimental photography. Each project will be evaluated by a jury composed of representatives from 20 photography festivals, ensuring diversity of perspectives and selection criteria. Submissions will be assessed for originality, innovation, visual coherence, narrative strength, technical quality, audience engagement and potential for international exposure. The selection of the 50 finalists will also consider diversity of geographical backgrounds, gender balance and photographic approaches.

How does it work?

To participate, submit a project consisting of 10 photographs through Picter. Each submission will be reviewed by representatives from 20 international photography festivals. Each participating festival will select one project for a solo exhibition. Based on the jury's evaluations, 50 artists will also be selected to take part in a travelling collective exhibition, opening in Barcelona in July 2027 before touring other member festivals.

In addition, the 20 selected photographers and 50 finalists will be featured in the IPFA Photographers Archive, designed to promote their work and connect them with curators and festivals worldwide. They will also receive discounts for portfolio reviews during the IPFA Meeting 2027, which gathers directors of more than 50 festivals in Barcelona (July 2027), enhancing the international exposure of their practice.

The IPFA Award is an international initiative that fosters the visibility and mobility of both emerging and established photographers, offering a unique opportunity to exhibit across photography festivals worldwide. Participating in this open call means joining a global community that connects, inspires and empowers photography.

Submit your project and share your work with the world!

How to Participate

Applications must be submitted through Picter. Taking part is simple:

Create or log in to your Picter account.
Complete your personal and professional information.
Provide the title and description of your photographic project.
Upload a maximum of 10 photographs representing your project.
Complete any additional information requested in the application form.
Pay the €20 application fee.
Submit your project before 11 January 2027 at 23:59 CET.

You may submit more than one project, provided that each project is submitted separately and the corresponding €20 application fee is paid. There is no fixed theme. Photographers and visual artists from all over the world are welcome, regardless of their professional background or photographic approach.

What Winners Receive

20 Selected Photographers – Solo Exhibitions

A solo exhibition at the member festival that selected their project.
€300 in exhibition production support provided by IPFA, in addition to the funding allocated by each participating festival. This support is intended for exhibition production costs and is not an additional cash prize for the artist.
50% discount on participation in the Portfolio Review during the IPFA Meeting 2027, where directors and curators from around the world will be able to view your work and build professional networks.
Official recognition and a certificate as an IPFA Award 2026 Selected Photographer.
Inclusion in the IPFA Photographers Archive.
Promotion across all communication channels of IPFA and participating festivals, as well as inclusion in a special video created to showcase the selected photographers and the results of this open call.

50 Finalists – Collective Exhibition

Participation in a travelling collective exhibition that will open in July 2027 in Barcelona, at Sala Golfes, IPFA’s exhibition space, before touring other member festivals.
30% discount on participation in the Portfolio Review during the IPFA Meeting 2027, where directors and curators from around the world will be able to view your work and establish professional connections.
Official recognition and a certificate as an IPFA Award 2026 Finalist.
Inclusion in the IPFA Photographers Archive.
Promotion across all IPFA and participating festival communication channels, and inclusion in a special video designed to highlight the artists and results of this edition.