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Rotterdam Photo 2025: Dutch Talent Project Grants in Collaboration with Amarte Fonds

Rotterdam Photo 2025, in collaboration with Amarte Fonds, invites emerging Dutch photographers to participate in a unique opportunity to explore and express the theme Shared/Connected. As new ideologies challenge the privatization of shared resources and the dominance of hierarchical systems, this theme encourages artists to delve into the complexities of communal connections in our increasingly digital and interconnected world.

Together with the support of Amarte Fonds, Rotterdam Photo is dedicated to fostering innovative visual artists who are redefining photography as a medium for creative expression and autonomous art. The Dutch Talent Project Grants will select five outstanding artists whose work embodies this spirit of exploration and innovation. These artists will be guided by an experienced guest curator as they develop their concepts into fully realized projects that address critical questions of our time: How do we capture the essence of shared connections in a society where digital interconnectivity is both a blessing and a challenge? What tools do we have to create meaningful, lasting bonds in an ever-changing world?

The culmination of this journey will be a group exhibition at Rotterdam Photo 2025, where the selected talents will present their work in a visually striking venue, specially designed to reflect the festival's innovative spirit. This exhibition will be a highlight of the festival, drawing a diverse and engaged audience eager to experience the cutting edge of contemporary photography.

This initiative not only provides a platform for emerging Dutch talent but also ensures these artists have the resources and guidance needed to bring their visions to life. Submission is free of charge, and this open call is intended for 3rd and 4th-year art academy students and 'Photography' alumni who have been active as autonomous visual artists since 2020. Study projects are supported, but only those developed alongside or after their studies. Additionally, self-taught artists with up to five years of practical experience are invited to submit a project proposal.

The open call for applications runs until November 2nd. This is a rare and exciting opportunity for the next generation of Dutch visual artists to make their mark, pushing the boundaries of photography and engaging with the pressing issues of our time.

What winners receive

Through an open call, five artists who embrace photography as their medium of choice will be selected. A stipend of €3,000 will be awarded to selected candidates, enabling them to develop their ongoing projects into "work in progress" exhibitions for Rotterdam Photo 2025. In a specially designed space at Museumpark – located in the cultural heart of Rotterdam – the selected photographers will collaborate with festival-appointed curator Mira Matic to develop a unique group exhibition. This exhibition, set to be a highlight of the festival, will be open for 10 days in May. Rotterdam Photo will provide coaching throughout the artistic process, support technical needs, and organize the final presentations during the event.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS:

• Submission review by professionals from the photography field 
• Featuring across festival/partner social networks and websites (LensCulture, Dodho magazine, DigiFoto Pro)
• Group exhibition project at the Rotterdam Photo 2025 (you can directly curate and craft your project) 
• Long-term representation and promotion by the festival
• Opportunity to participate in the Rotterdam Photo Talks and RP networking events
• Publication and Inclusion in the Festival program
• Be part of the event with 10.000 + visitors in the centre of Rotterdam

About Rotterdam Photo

Rotterdam Photo is an annual photography fair with a festival flair, celebrating the full spectrum of contemporary photography in all its diversity.

Founded in 2016, Rotterdam Photo is an accessible and innovative photography festival. Previously held in February alongside Art Rotterdam, the main program will move to May starting in 2025, running for ten consecutive days in and around Museumpark. Featuring adistinctive container village, Rotterdam Photo creates a visually striking and accessible event in the city’s Art Axis.

Judging Criteria

The selection process for the Rotterdam Photo contests consists of three rounds of evaluation. In each round, the photography experts panel will individually review entries and select a group of entries in each category to proceed to the following round.

Entries will be judged based on creativity, photographic quality, and effectiveness in expressing the contest theme. Winners will be announced on this website as well as on social media channels