10th Singapore International Photography Festival 2026 Open Call

Seeking to promote artists, as well as critical thought and academic discourse on photography in Southeast Asia, the open call awards three SGD$2,000 cash prizes to fresh perspectives on image-making.

Overview

The Singapore International Photography Festival (SIPF) is an international platform which aims to promote the arts and the appreciation of photography arts, as well as critical thought and academic discourse on photography in Southeast Asia. First launched in 2008, SIPF is now one of the major photography platforms held in Southeast Asia. In each biennale edition, SIPF hosts some of the biggest names in photography, uncovers new talents, and promotes an understanding of the world and society through creative photographic expression.

The SIPF Open Call Award is given in recognition of the artistic excellence and originality displayed in shortlisted submissions. It aims to support and encourage artists in their image-making practice, with cash prizes disbursed to the creators of the submitted works.

Practical Info

The call is open to Singapore or Singapore-based artists. There are two categories. The Portfolio category is for photography and image-based bodies of work. The Photobook category is for both published and dummy photobooks. Applicants must ensure that all submitted photobooks, including dummy books, are fully realised in physical form and available for submission by the stipulated deadlines.

Shortlisted submissions will be presented in the SIPF Open Call Showcase during the 10th biennale edition of SIPF in Singapore, from mid-October to end-November 2026. The SIPF Open Call Showcase will be curated by SIPF's Festival Curators.

Recipients of the SIPF Open Call Award for Best Portfolio Award, Best Published Photobook Award, and Best Dummy Photobook Award will be invited to the 10th SIPF Award Ceremony in mid-October 2026 to receive the award presented by the Guest-of-Honour.

Open Call Artists have the opportunity to actively participate in SIPF's programming, such as Artist Tours and Talks. Travel and accommodation are to be arranged independently by shortlisted artists. Shortlisted artists may propose and be approached by SIPF to conduct public workshops.

About the Singapore International Photography Festival

The Singapore International Photography Festival is a biennial gathering of minds from around the world with the common pursuit of advancing the art and appreciation of photography. It aims to be a much-needed arena for critical thought and academic discussion on photography in Southeast Asia.

The SIPF also functions as a key platform to discover, nurture and propel Southeast Asian photographers on the international stage. Through its associate programmes, the festival engages the public and cultivates a larger audience. At the core of SIPF is a firm belief that photography can be enjoyed by all.