Dar Foto Festival 2025 Open Call

Dar Foto Festival is looking for East African photographers' stories exploring the theme of Coexistence, to be exhibited in the 4th edition of the festival.

Overview

We are born in a country, we are part of a generation and perhaps a member of a religious group. We exist in our individual reality and yet coexist with so many others. What makes and breaks peaceful coexistence where there is diversity?

Since its independence in 1961, Tanzania’s leadership has strived for peaceful coexistence as a fundamental principle. Under Julius Nyerere, the concepts of "Ujamaa" (brotherhood) and "Uhuru na Umoja" (freedom and unity) fostered a cohesive national identity and collective responsibility. Despite mixed outcomes, these efforts significantly shaped Tanzania’s peaceful coexistence. Similarly, Africa’s immense diversity, with over 1,500 languages and numerous ethnic groups, has led to unique approaches and challenges in coexistence, often emphasizing communalism and the concept of “Ubuntu” (I am because we are).

Dar Foto Festival 2025 aims to establish a dialogue on the meanings of peaceful coexistence in Tanzania and beyond. It explores the complexities of living together in shared spaces. By drawing on indigenous and contemporary models of community, the festival encourages introspection and an embrace of dialogue. Join us in celebrating interconnectedness and diversity while fostering conversations for collective growth, united in our diversity and diverse in our unity.

Practical Info

Applicants must complete the online submission form with a description of their work and how it relates to the theme Coexistence. In addition, they need to submit 5-10 images. They can share and upload their portfolio/photos through WeTransfer or send them to us via email at darfotofestival@gmail.com.

Selected photographers will be part of the group exhibitions taking place in Dar es Salaam and Stone Town, Tanzania, between 31 January to 1 March 2025.

About Dar Foto Festival

Dar Foto Festival is a space for visual dialogue between Tanzania and the world. Their mission is to build an inclusive and inspiring community around photography.

Photography has the power to tell important stories, spark dialogue, and challenge our perspectives, connecting people across divides and inspiring change. Through the lens, we see not just the world, but the stories that shape it. Since 2021, Dar Foto Festival has hosted a number of exhibitions and events nationally and internationally to build a photography community, exhibit works of Tanzanian artists and support photographers in their creative development.

Dar Foto Festival believes that photography should be accessible to everyone. The festival fosters inclusivity by providing a stage for emerging artists alongside established photographers. The festival also ensures its exhibitions and events are accessible to diverse audiences, creating an environment where art can be experienced by people from all backgrounds.