ROTTERDAM PHOTO FESTIVAL x Amarte / TERMS & CONDITIONS: CONTAINER EXPO 2026 

The sponsor of the Rotterdam Photo Container Expo Contest is Stichting Daguerre, co-producer More Productions, Rotterdam (NL), and Amarte Fonds. 

TERMS 

The Contest has a regular deadline of October 15th, 2025, at 11:59 pm CEST (the Regular Deadline). If extended, the final deadline (the Final Entry Deadline) will be November 1st 2025 at 11:59 pm CEST. All entries must be received by the Final Entry Deadline. 

WHO MAY ENTER 

This open call is for photographers who are based in the Netherlands, currently studying there, or have completed studies in the Netherlands. Eligible applicants include: 

• 3rd- and 4th-year art academy students 

• Recent alumni (since 2020) of photography or related visual arts programs

• Self-taught photographers with up to five years of practical experience 

Projects developed during study are eligible, provided they are extended or deepened beyond the academic context. 

The main genres of the open call are artistic, conceptual, and experimental photography; documentary or reportage work will not be accepted. Stichting Daguerre staff, judges, and their families are not eligible to enter the competition. Contest is void where prohibited. 

COST OF ENTRY 

Submission is free of charge. The jury will select five photographers, each of whom will receive €3,000 to create new work. 

HOW TO ENTER 

To enter electronically, visit www.rotterdamphoto.eu to submit. Once registration is complete, you will receive an email confirmation. Log onto the website and follow the instructions to upload images from your computer. 

• You may enter any number of entries 

• No mail-in entry is available for this Contest 

• Each entry consists of an entry form, five images, a short artist biography, and a description of the submitted work 

• Each submitted photograph must be a single, original work created by the entrant 

By entering, you represent and warrant that the photograph is original, does not infringe on any intellectual property or privacy rights, and that no other party holds any claim to it. Photographs including artworks by others are accepted if they do not constitute copyright infringement and if a release form can be provided when required. When photographing the work of others, it must appear as an object in its environment, not a full-frame close-up. 

If the photograph includes people, you must provide signed release forms upon request. Entries without required releases may be disqualified.

Entries will be judged according to the criteria below. Photographs containing obscene, defamatory, explicit, or inappropriate content will be disqualified. 

Online entries must be made by the authorized account holder of the email address provided. 

CATEGORIES 

Categories and themes are specified on the Project Open Call on the Rotterdam Photo website. 

JUDGING 

The contest consists of three rounds of evaluation by a panel of photography experts. Entries are judged on creativity, photographic quality, and effectiveness in expressing the contest theme. Winners will be announced on the website and social media channels. Decisions of the Sponsors and Judges are final. Sponsors may choose not to award all prizes if entries fail to meet minimum criteria. 

ENTRANT LICENSES/RELEASES 

By entering, you grant Stichting Daguerre and its affiliates a license to reproduce, distribute, and display your entry online and in promotions related to the Rotterdam Photo Contest. Winners also grant a non-exclusive license for use in publications, digital platforms, and exhibitions. No additional compensation or approval is required. 

If your photograph includes third-party content or identifiable individuals, you are responsible for obtaining necessary releases and consents. For minors, a parent or guardian's signature is required. Copyright for each entry remains with the entrant. 

THIRD PARTY RELEASES/LICENSES 

Winners authorize Stichting Daguerre to reproduce, distribute, and display their work in connection with the Rotterdam Photo Container Expo Contest across all media platforms. 

LIMITATION OF LIABILITY 

By participating, entrants release Stichting Daguerre and partners from any claims, losses, or damages arising from participation, including technical failures or unauthorized access to entries. Sponsors are not responsible for technical malfunctions, human errors, or any issues with entry transmission. 

CONDITIONS 

This Contest is subject to local laws and regulations. Entries may be voided if found to be inauthentic, incomplete, or fraudulent. Participants agree to these rules, accept the Judges' decisions as final, and grant permission for the use of their name, photograph, or likeness in contest promotions without compensation. Taxes and fees on prizes are the sole responsibility of winners. If a selected winner is ineligible or refuses the prize, it will be forfeited. 

RIGHT TO CANCEL OR SUSPEND 

If unforeseen circumstances such as technical issues, fraud, or safety concerns (e.g., storm, fire, pandemic) arise, Sponsors reserve the right to cancel, suspend, or modify the contest or festival. No refunds or reimbursements will be provided for participant expenses.

INSURANCE 

Participants are responsible for insuring their work during shipping, transport, and exhibition. Rotterdam Photo is not liable for damage to any artwork. 

HANDLING & SHIPMENT 

If participants notify the Sponsor at least four weeks before the festival and provide prints and installation instructions, the Sponsor can assist with setup. Adjustments to installation may be made at the Sponsor's discretion. Damage during transport or exhibition is not the 

Sponsor's responsibility. Deinstallation and return shipping will only be arranged if participants cover costs.