VA-M Festival 2025 Photography Open Call

Selected works will be exhibited in 5 public billboards curated by PhMuseum as part of the Vivere A-Metropolitano festival, organized by HPO, in Ferrara and some municipalities of the Po Delta Park, Italy.

Overview

PhMuseum and HPO invite visual artists to offer their interpretation of Vivere A-Metropolitano, literally A-Metropolitan Living, meant as a way to explore the architecture, landscapes and ideas of provincial areas, giving a new meaning to those places protected by low density that do not they correspond to and do not aspire to the dimension of the metropolis.

The term "a-metropolitan" does not simply indicate a lack or deprivation, but introduces a desire for emancipation and independence. While considering urban space as the main resource and solution of contemporary living, Vivere A-Metropolitano offers a space for actions and testimonies.

Practical Info

Applicants can submit projects and series of images (up to 20 photos) reflecting on this theme, with no geographical constraints. All visual approaches are welcome.

The selected works will be exhibited in 5 public billboards (6x3 meters) curated by PhMuseum as part of the Vivere A-Metropolitano festival, organized by HPO, which will take place in Italy from 31 March to 23 April 2025 between Ferrara and some municipalities of the Po Delta Park.

The selection committee is composed by Giuseppe Oliverio (PhMuseum Founding and Creative Director) and Camilla Marrese (PhMuseum Visual Editor).

About HPO

HPO is a group of eleven architects based in Ferrara, Italy. Formed in 2017 to escape the university routine and face the labour market, HPO has since then been working on architecture, temporary installations, exhibitions and performances, always maintaining a collaborative attitude, open to contamination. HPO HQ is the group's headquarters in Ferrara, from which it operates also as cultural association curating and producing public events, talks and workshops. HPO is chief curator of the Festival of Architecture V A-M: Vivere A-Metropolitano, exploring ideas for an a-metropolitan living.

The group has exhibited its work at some of Europe's leading design centers and universities: Akademie der Künste, Berlin; HEAD, Genève; TU Graz, ENSAP Versailles; Dropcity, Milan; Biennale del Territorio, Lugano and the Italian Pavilion at the 18th Venice Biennale. HPO’s work was featured at the Premio Architettura Italiano 2024 organized by MAXXI and Triennale di Milano.

About PhMuseum

PhMuseum is a curated platform dedicated to the visual language and its culture. Since 2012 we have been focused to find innovative ways to display photography, engage, educate, and connect. Their mission is to discover, support and promote photographers, working as an innovative talent incubator.

Over more than a decade, they have supported more than 100 photographers with €240,000 in cash prizes and another 300 with exhibition, residency and screening opportunities at festivals such as Kranj Foto Fest, PhEST, Getxophoto, Organ Vida, Cortona OTM, Lagos Photo, Verzasca Foto, JIPFest and their own PhMuseum Days.