FOTODOKS Open Call 2027

An open call for lens-based documentary photography projects on the theme of care, offering selected artists a €500–1,200 fee, travel budget, accommodation, and inclusion in a group exhibition at the FOTODOKS festival in Munich, Germany.

Overview

FOTODOKS, the festival for contemporary documentary photography in Munich, Germany, is calling for lens-based documentary projects for its thirteenth edition in October 2027. The open call seeks existing lens-based documentary-driven stories of care which suggest photorealistic and honest intention of engaging with care and its meanings debated, unpacked, and reenacted in the present.

The 2027 edition explores care and its connections to politics, emotions and intimate relationships. "Care can be emotional, physical or psychological, and it can also have social and relational dimensions," the organisers write. "It is culturally charged, with its understanding changing across relationalities. It is also interdependent on other spheres: humans, environments and governments are all part of a single body operating on this fragile concept."

Selected artists receive an artist fee of €500 for single artists or photographers, €800 for duos, and up to €1,200 for collectives depending on the number of members. Prize recipients also receive a travel budget to and from Munich (€150 for travel inside Germany, €300 for travel inside the EU/Europe, or €500 for travel outside the EU/Europe), accommodation during the festival's four-day opening week, production of their project for the group exhibition in agreement with FOTODOKS, inclusion in the festival's catalogue and promotional materials, and presentation on the FOTODOKS website.

In addition to open-call submissions, the FOTODOKS curatorial team will extend direct invitations to selected artists and photographers.

Practical Info

Submissions may be made by individuals, collectives or groups. FOTODOKS encourages people of all ethnic backgrounds, religions, ages, genders, disabilities, sexual orientations and social statuses to apply. Applications can be submitted in English or German.

The jury is composed of Frank Bauer, Dominik Gigler, Francesco Giordano, Nadine Loës, Sandra Singh, and Ilaria Sponda.

About Fotodoks

FOTODOKS is a festival for contemporary documentary photography held annually in Munich, Germany. The festival presents group exhibitions, a catalogue and programming during its opening week.