| Copyright | Every artist or person submitting images to Taboo retains copyright of the works, images and texts he or she uploads, but gives Celeste Network the authority to use indefinitely the same above mentioned visual and textual materials for communication and promotion purposes only; to create the catalogue or other promotional material, and to use in Celeste Network's websites. Artists who submit works to Taboo declare and accept that they are the authors of the images they upload and possess all rights to use these images in the competition and onsite in Celeste Network. |
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| Eligibility | Open to all photographers, worldwide. |
| Finish | 16 December 2015 |
| Entry fee | Single Work 20 €, Project 70 € (includes upload of up to 10 single images of your project), for additional single works 15 €, for additional projects 60 €. |
Finished
Theme: Taboo
Breaking a taboo is less of an issue today than in the past. The speed with which societies are changing, requires constant questioning of what is considered acceptable. Taboo-breaking and taboo-creating is one of the inevitable results of our hyper-active times. Globalisation catapults attitudes into every corner of the globe, and forces indigenous populations, groups or persons to respond, often in totally unprepared cultural contexts, to confront or accept new associations once unimaginable or forbidden. These conflict with traditional or deeply entrenched ways of thinking, which historically have often been held fast by taboos. In this context, artists are in the most enviable position. They are free in the widest sense, able to dissent and ask questions, and in their practice create new worlds which transgress the old. By exploring such issues as death, marriage, sexuality, money, racism, freedom, religion, gender, war, violence, politics, or behavioral traits such as guilt, shame, love, exploitation, forgiveness, artists can turn taboo-related themes on their heads, in subtle or explicit ways which are dissimilating but illuminating or shocking but liberating. Works submitted to ‘Taboo’ should take into consideration prevailing taboos, wherever they are experienced, geographically or culturally, and give a sense of how and why transitions to new forms of consideration and acceptance are given to what was once a taboo. Works or projects can be in any media, from performance to documentation, to installation, photography, video and painting. Works will be selected for their ability to spark thoughtful investigation on the taboo in question, as well as revealing how aesthetics can advance understanding on the subject being treated. Taboo: A practice which is prohibited by social or religious custom. Forbidding a certain association with a practice, a thing, a place or a person. Often associated with physical exposure and violence.
Prizes:
- 3,000 € for the Best Project
- 2,000 € for the Best Single Work
- Final exhibition and awards in two gallery spaces in Florence, Italy, 15-30 March 2016.
By 10 January 2016, 3 finalist projects and 10 single works selected by the directors of Galleria Poggiali & Forconi, Florence, Italy, will be announced online.
Image requirements: JPG or PNG formats from applicants’ personal accounts in Celeste Network; at least 2,500 pixels on the longest side.
Online submission of digital photographs via the 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.