IPE 166 Open Call

The International Photography Exhibition (IPE) presents a unique opportunity to exhibit in a group exhibition at The Royal Photographic Society in Bristol, UK, and other nationwide venues, alongside a prize fund to support future photographic projects.

Overview

The International Photography Exhibition the world’s longest-running contemporary photography exhibition. Now in its 166th edition, renowned for showcasing a diverse range of contemporary photography from around the world. Photographers and image-makers, of all ages, can submit their work to the RPS International Photography Exhibition. Submissions are encouraged from new, emerging and established photographers worldwide. The Royal Photographic Society is an independent educational charity. By supporting the IPE, you help us to continue our mission of bringing 'Photography for Everyone'. 

Practical Info

Anyone of any age can submit their images to the IPE, including student, amateur, professional, and non-professional photographers and image-makers worldwide. All subjects and approaches can be submitted, including alternative photographic processes and experimental work. There are no predefined categories, allowing for a completely open submission. Entrants can submit four images from a series of work or four single images. One free single-image entry is available to everyone.  

Applicants will also be eligible for several significant awards such as the IPE Award and Under 30s Award, both including a £1,000 (€1,167) cash prize and 1-year free membership to the RPS. Plus, the Exhibition Tour consists of the touring exhibition, opening at the RPS Gallery, Bristol, of 100 selected photographs, and the Solo Exhibition at the RPS, which includes a 2-week solo exhibition at RPS Bristol or partnering venues, awarded by the RPS. In addition, the RPS Journal Features is composed of four opportunities for a photographer to feature in the RPS Journal, selected by the Editor. The Visitor Prize includes a £250 (€291) voted for by visitors to the Bristol exhibition. Among the prizes, the Selectors Spotlight will make five photographers receive a statement by one of the guest selectors about why they selected the work. This will be included in the exhibition. More prizes complete the list.

About RPS and IPE

The Photographic Society, as The RPS was originally known, was not the first photographic society but it was the first to be formally organised to have been in continuous existence in the same form since its foundation. It took only a few years from the announcement of photography in 1839 for the first loose gathering of amateur photographers to come together.

The International Photography Exhibition (IPE) has been held almost every year since 1854 and is the longest running exhibition of its kind in the world. In the early years, the exhibition included work from some of the world's most eminent photographers including Julia Margaret Cameron, Roger Fenton, Edward Steichen and Paul Strand.