Athens Photo Festival 2026 Open Call

Athens Photo Festival invites submissions from artists and photographers worldwide for its exhibition program taking place at Benaki Museum / Pireos 138 in June–July 2026.

Overview

Showcasing work by over 100 artists worldwide each edition, the festival welcomes submissions across the full spectrum of photography, from fine art and conceptual practice to documentary and photojournalism, as well as image-based work that extends into installation, performance, and moving-image.

The Exhibition Program is committed to a broad definition of photography and to the many forms the photographic image can take, from print and projection to photobooks, texts, objects, and hybrid approaches. Its curatorial framework considers the conditions that shape how images are made, circulated, and interpreted in relation to the social and cultural dynamics of our time. The festival supports diverse curatorial approaches and develops exhibitions in close dialogue with artists and the ideas their work advances.

In 2026, more than 80 artists from around the world will be selected through the open call for the festival’s Exhibition Program, alongside participants in projection presentations, mentoring sessions, and portfolio reviews.

Practical Info

All entries must include an official entry form properly completed, along with a short bio, a project description, and a maximum of 20 images per project. Within the entry form, artists are welcome to include practical notes about how they would like to present their work, such as technical requirements, production specifications, and installation methods.

80 selected works will be presented at Benaki Museum / Pireos 138 in June–July as part of the Main Program, across more than 3,000 square metres of exhibition space, alongside an expanded program of satellite projects across the city. The festival will cover production costs for selected works included in the exhibition.Participating artists receive a two-night stay.

Plus, 20 additional artists will be invited to present work in a dedicated screening event, and 15 selected artists will participate free of charge in the International Portfolio Reviews. In addition, 5 artists will participate free of charge in the Talent Lab, a professional development program for emerging artists. 50 additional artists from the shortlist will receive one-year access to APhF Connect, a by-invitation platform that presents their work to 100+ international industry professionals.

One artist will be selected for the Athens Photo Research Center (APhRC) Artist Residency—an initiative of Athens Photo Festival—including a three-week stay, accommodation and travel expenses covered, and a €600 honorarium.

The selected projects will be presented in the official festival catalogue. A printed edition of the catalogue will be mailed to key industry professionals around the world and intended to be used as reference material.

About Athens Photo Festival

Athens Photo Festival presents an evolving programme that supports artistic expression and critical inquiry across diverse photographic practices. Its curatorial framework considers the conditions that shape how images are made, circulated, and interpreted in relation to the social and cultural dynamics of our time. Beyond the exhibitions, APhF advances research, residencies, talent development, and community partnerships, deepening participation and reinforcing its role within the international photographic field.