About

We are inviting emerging, mid-career and established artists and photographers from any country to participate in PHOTO 2026 International Festival of Photography and have their work presented as part of the official program. Applications must respond to the PHOTO 2026 theme: 'Show Me Love'.

Successful applications will have their work presented as large-scale public artworks. Exhibited on building facades or freestanding frames, PHOTO 2026 will transform Melbourne's streets, laneways and parks into an outdoor gallery of inspiring photography, alongside exhibitions curated by museums and galleries.

The PHOTO 2026 Open Call is your opportunity to participate in this "world-leading platform for image makers." (Wallpaper*)

“Every component of the festival is carefully curated to support artists participating and I found this was by far the greatest experience I've had with any photo festival globally.”
—Richmond Kobla Dido (GH), PHOTO 2022 Open Call artist.

Theme

PHOTO 2026: Show Me Love

At PHOTO 2026 we will explore and interpret the multifaceted nature of love and its absence as a lens through which to look at the world.

As we navigate an ever-changing global landscape, 'Show Me Love' seeks to uncover the profound impacts of love, or the lack thereof, on individuals, communities, and societies at large.

Love, in its many forms, can be a powerful force for connection, healing, and transformation. Conversely, the absence of love can highlight the gaps, inequalities, and divisions that exist within our societies. This theme provides a framework for artists to express their personal narratives, cultural critiques, and visionary perspectives.

The theme 'Show Me Love' is a basis from which to explore broad social issues and concerns; both light and dark, and woven through with pain and bliss, obsession and desire, passion and compassion.

PHOTO 2026 invites a deep dive into love in all its forms, and into where it is lacking, to inspire, challenge, and move audiences.

What winners receive

Selected applicants will receive an artist fee and have their work presented at PHOTO 2026 International Festival of Photography as an outdoor display.

At PHOTO 2024, 18 artists were selected through the Open Call including Fiona Amundsen (NZ), Jo Duck (AU), Adam Ferguson (AU), Asafe Ghalib (BR), Jana Hartmann (DE) and Karabo Mooki (ZA). These artists were exhibited alongside artists including Nan Goldin (US), Ryan McGinley (US), Sunil Gupta (CA/UK), filip custic (ES/HR), Malick Sidibé (ML) and Carmen Winant (US).

"Having my work recognised and exhibited by PHOTO 2024 was a huge honour. It has helped my project expand into other worlds and audiences. It's also helped me connect with the other artists and participate in a broader photographic community, both in Australia and abroad."

– Adam Ferguson, PHOTO 2024 Open Call Artist

About PHOTO Australia

PHOTO Australia is a champion of Australian photographic arts on the world stage.

Every two years we produce PHOTO International Festival of Photography, a global celebration of the artform in Naarm/Melbourne – Australia's capital of photography – and cities across Victoria. Presented in collaboration with museums and galleries, the festival presents a free trail of exhibitions and ambitious outdoor artworks that activate public spaces, alongside events, film screenings, tours and more.

PHOTO Australia plays a vital role in commissioning, publishing, and mentoring artists, while also strengthening the sector through networking, events, and professional programs. By forming strategic international partnerships, we create opportunities for Australian artists to connect with global audiences and showcase inspiring international artists in Australia.

Dedicated to bringing new photography, art and ideas to audiences in engaging ways, we are continually pushing the boundaries of photography and its ability to inform, provoke and inspire.

PHOTO Australia is a not-for-profit charitable organisation.

Visit https://photo.org.au for more information.

Judging Criteria

Applications will be reviewed based on the following criteria:

1. Response and connection to the festival’s central theme
2. Artistic excellence: Artworks must be of the highest quality to captivate, inspire and challenge

PHOTO Australia’s curatorial policy can be viewed at https://photo.org.au/about.