Rotterdam Photo 2025 Open Call

Rotterdam Photo is officially accepting submissions for their 2025 open call that set to be held in May of the upcoming year.

Overview

Emerging from the omnipresent culture of imagery, the new wave of photographic talent consists of true digital natives. They've grown up in a world where images reign supreme, and they play a pivotal role in capturing the essence of freedom, culture, human connection, and unity. This generation exemplifies the delicate balance between finding a genuine subjective perspective (ethics) and crafting the perfect visual expression (aesthetics). With insatiable curiosity and a thirst for innovation, they push the narrative and technical boundaries of photography to new heights.

At Rotterdam Photo, they are committed to empowering this intricate balancing act with a solid foundation -- a theme broad enough to invite a myriad of independent photographers to join the festival, yet clear enough to provide visitors with a cohesive narrative that links the diverse issues raised by individual creators.

Practical Info

Selected photographers will be invited to showcase their projects and create their exhibition in the container during Rotterdam Photo 2025, under this year's theme Shared/Connected. As part of the prize, winners will be given dedicated exhibition space to present their work. They will also have the chance to sell their pieces, network with gallerists, potential buyers, and international art press. Rotterdam Photo does not charge any commission on sales made during the festival.

The selection process for the Rotterdam Photo contests consists of three rounds of evaluation. In each round, the photography experts panel will individually review entries and select a group of entries in each category to proceed to the following round.

The jury is composed of Aya Musa (Curator at FOAM), Sam Barzilay (Creative Director & Co-Founder of Photoville), Vanya Pieters (Freelance Picture Editor), Marcel Kollen (Freelance photographer, Managing Director of the Rotterdam Photo), and Erik Vroons (Editor in Chief for GUP, international magazine for creative contemporary photography).

About Rotterdam Photo

Rotterdam Photo is an annual photography fair with a festival flair, celebrating the full spectrum of contemporary photography in all its diversity.

Founded in 2016, Rotterdam Photo is an accessible and innovative photography festival. Previously held in February alongside Art Rotterdam, the main program will move to May starting in 2025, running for ten consecutive days in and around Museumpark. Featuring adistinctive container village, Rotterdam Photo creates a visually striking and accessible event in the city’s Art Axis.