FOTODOK Talent Embassy 2025

Ten photographers based in Netherlands are selected to travel with FOTODOK to an international photography festival.

Overview

Ten selected photographers will receive mentorship and guidance to develop their work. FOTODOK creates opportunities for them to connect with experts from around the world. Five photographers have the opportunity to visit Fotofestiwal Łódź (Poland) from the 11th until the 16th of June 2025. Another five have the opportunity to go to Rencontres d’Arles (France) from the 5th until the 12th of July 2025.

Practical Info

Applicants must be based in the Netherlands, in the process of developing or presenting a project that can benefit from the input of international experts and exposure to a new audience, be socially engaged, and address urgent themes through their photo-based practice. Plus, they must work with the medium of photography, are available for the program on March 5th, April 9th and May 14th, and graduated from an art academy between 2017 and 2022. If they did not graduate from an art academy (and are not educated there at this moment) they are also eligible with a professional practice between 5 and 10 years.

Submissions must include a portfolio, a CV, a motivation Letter (max 1 A4 or 6-minute video), introducing themself as both a person and an artist, and describing the project they wish to develop during the program, and explaining why it’s important. Plus, photographers must indicate their festival preference: Fotofestiwal Łódź or Rencontres d’Arles, clearly explaining how their work aligns with the chosen festival’s vision. Additionally, applicants must detail the specific goal they aim to achieve in the next phase of their project (for instance for further development or a form of presentation), and highlight how international experts can assist them to reach the next step and advance their creative vision.

Selected photographers will be part of an intensive 3-day preparation program to ensure they’re ready for the festivals. The program equips them with an updated portfolio, a strong pitch, and the confidence to showcase their work, being supported by an international team of experts and helped to refine their selection and presentation.

Travel and accommodation for the festival are funded and partially arranged by FOTODOK. In addition, photographers will receive a personal budget of €150 to support the development of their project, and a personal budget of €250 to collaborate with a mentor of their choice.

During the festivals, the group often becomes a warm, supportive homebase. A place where everyone can share their journey with the group, exchange experiences, and offer each other encouragement. Together, the group creates a nurturing space that allows photographers to grow, connect deeply with others, and confidently navigate the opportunities ahead.

Yusser al Obaidi, Lisanne van Happen, and a curator from Fotofestiwal Łódź are part of the jury. All applicants will be contacted between February 7 and February 17, whether they have been selected or not.

Abou FOTODOK

FOTODOK explores how visual stories have a potential for offering  fresh, new perspectives on the pressing matters of today that often remain underexposed. Artists act as the antennae of society, a notion that consistently resonates in FOTODOK’s programmes.

Previously explored topics still are more than relevant today: the rise of populism (2012), the relationship between the networked society and the pressure on our privacy (2015), inclusion and exclusion (2017), and mental well-being (2020) are all still current. FOTODOK addresses social themes with a focus on the impact of wars, forced migration, and global warming, among other issues.