Encontros Da Imagem Award 2026

The 36th edition of Encontros da Imagem is now open for submissions, offering a platform to exhibit in Portugal and a €2,000 grant for the selected photographer.

Overview

The festival will unfold across several cities in the north of Portugal under the theme Territory And Identity. The programme seeks to present a wide range of contemporary photographic practices, from documentary approaches to projects that challenge and expand the boundaries of the medium. Through its exhibitions and public programme, the festival aims to foster visual literacy and contribute to the democratisation of photography, both in its creation and appreciation.

Practical Info

The call is open to projects based on photography and video practices that present a coherent narrative and have been produced within the last five years; submissions do not need to respond to the festival theme. Applicants may submit a maximum of three projects, each consisting of 15–20 images accompanied by a short synopsis.

Three selected projects will be presented as solo exhibitions during the festival, from which one overall winner will be chosen to receive a €2,000 cash prize. In addition, 17 further projects will be included in a collective video screening. All selected works will be exhibited between 18 September and 1 November 2026, and the prize recipient will be publicly announced during the festival.

The jury is composed of Arianna Catania, Alexia Alexandropoulou, and Arianna Rinaldo.

About Encontros Da Imagem

Encontros da Imagem is one of the oldest photography festivals in Europe and a key cultural reference in Portugal, with a strong presence on the international scene. Each year, it brings together emerging and established artists from around the world, presenting exhibitions across a variety of public and private spaces, including museums, galleries, and historical buildings.