| Copyright | All selected entries may be published by Belfast Photo Festival or affiliated Sponsors/Funders and Partners (the “Authorised Parties”) in magazines or books, on websites, or in any other medium, at Authorised Parties discretion. |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Open to all photographers, worldwide. |
| Finish | 17 March 2015 |
| Entry fee | £15 |
Finished
The theme for the 2015 Open Submission has been left open, therefore removing any restrictions in regards to theme, concept or approach of a
photographer’s/artist’s work.
Awards:
- IdeasTap Award – £1,000
- Blow Editorial Award – A full editorial presentation in an upcoming issue of Blow photography magazine (Lucie Award Nominee)
- Abridged Editorial Award – Presentation in a special Festival issue of the arts magazine Abridged
- The Open Submission Exhibition will be presented at the Festival gallery in the heart of Belfast City and the center of the Cultural Cathedral Quarter – 4 – 30 June 2015.
Successful entrants will be selected and notified by e-mail in late March 2015
JURY:
- Stacey Baker – Associate Photo Editor: The New York Times Magazine
- Karen Mc Quaid – Curator: The Photographers Gallery, London
- Andreas Muller-Pohile – Editor: European Photography Magazine
- Matt Packer – Curator: Centre of Contemporary Art, Derry City
- Michael Weir – Director: Belfast Photo Festival
Each submission through the Open Submission can include up to 6 images (collectives 10) OR a single .PDF file (Photo-book submissions).
Online submission of digital photographs via the website.
OFFICIAL WEBSITE
Frequently asked questions — Photography exhibition contests
Who can enter photography exhibition contests?
Most exhibition contests welcome photographers with cohesive bodies of work—emerging to mid-career artists. Some prioritize thematic series or conceptual depth; review curatorial guidelines to ensure your project aligns with the venue's vision.
Are exhibition contests free to enter?
Few are free; most charge $15–$50 per submission, with portfolio or series entries priced higher. Entry fees and early-bird discounts are listed in the Quick Facts section at the top of each contest page on PhotoCompete.
What prizes do exhibition contests offer?
Prizes emphasize physical or virtual presentation: gallery exhibition slots, group show inclusion, catalog features, press coverage, or artist talks. Cash awards are less common but may range $1,000–$5,000 for top honors.
How do I choose which exhibition contest to enter?
Match your series to the venue's curatorial focus and research past exhibitions for aesthetic alignment. Verify technical specs (print size, framing, digital format), review shipping or installation requirements, and carefully assess rights clauses—some exhibitions request display or promotional usage rights.
Frequently asked questions — Art photography contests
Who can enter art photography contests?
Most art photography contests welcome emerging and mid-career artists worldwide. Some prioritize conceptual or fine art practices—review eligibility to confirm if your work aligns with the contest's curatorial focus.
Are art photography contests free to enter?
Few are free; most charge $20–$60 per submission, with series entries priced higher. Entry fees and discount tiers appear in the Quick Facts section at the top of each contest page on PhotoCompete.
What prizes do art photography contests offer?
Prizes often emphasize career development: gallery representation, museum exhibition slots, artist residencies, publication in art journals, or cash awards ($1,000–$10,000). Recognition from respected institutions can significantly boost visibility.
How do I choose which art photography contest to enter?
Prioritize contests whose curatorial vision matches your conceptual practice. Review past winners for aesthetic alignment, verify presentation requirements (print specs, statements), and carefully assess rights clauses—some art contests request broad usage rights for submitted work.
Frequently asked questions — International photography contests
Who can enter international photography contests?
Most international contests welcome photographers worldwide, regardless of nationality or experience level. Always verify eligibility on the official contest page—some restrict by age (18+), amateur/professional status, or thematic focus.
Are international photography contests free to enter?
Some are free; many charge $10–$50 per image, with early-bird discounts often available. Entry fees and deadline tiers are listed in the Quick Facts section at the top of each contest page on PhotoCompete.
What prizes do international photography contests offer?
Prizes range from cash awards ($500–$25,000) to gallery exhibitions, publication features, professional gear, and artist residencies. Prestigious awards like the Sony World Photography Awards or IPA carry significant industry recognition.
How do I choose which international contest to enter?
Align your strongest work with the contest theme and review past winners to gauge aesthetic preferences. Confirm technical specs (resolution, file format), check rights clauses carefully, and prioritize contests whose mission matches your artistic goals.