Deadline: 15-Jun-2026
Applications are now open for the Photography+ Emerging Talent Issue, offering early-career photographers and image-based artists an opportunity to gain international exposure through publication, mentoring, exhibition opportunities, and printing support. Selected participants will have their work featured in Photography+ and showcased through additional professional development opportunities.
Program Overview
The Photography+ Emerging Talent Issue is an international opportunity designed to support emerging photographers and image-based artists at the early stages of their creative careers. The initiative provides visibility and professional development support by connecting selected artists with publication opportunities, mentorship, exhibition exposure, and industry networks.
Photography+ explores the role of photography in everyday life and examines how image-making intersects with contemporary themes through interviews, essays, opinion pieces, and visual portfolios.
The programme aims to strengthen emerging creative talent and provide platforms that can support career growth and artistic visibility.
Focus Areas and Program Objectives
The programme supports several priorities focused on emerging visual artists and photography practice.
Key objectives include:
• Supporting emerging photographers and image-based artists
• Providing publication opportunities
• Increasing professional visibility
• Strengthening artistic development
• Supporting mentorship and networking
• Encouraging exhibition opportunities
• Providing printing support
• Promoting emerging creative talent internationally
Award Benefits
Selected participants will receive several opportunities and forms of support.
Benefits include:
• Ten selected awardees featured in the next issue of Photography+
• One selected artist receives a one-year Photoworks membership
• Mentoring support from curatorial and editorial teams
• One selected artist receives a £200 printing voucher from Spectrum Photographic
• Instagram takeover opportunity through Spectrum Photographic
• Evening projection showcase for all ten selected artists at Kranj Foto Fest
Expected Outcomes
The programme is designed to support artistic growth and career development.
Expected outcomes include:
• Increased visibility for emerging artists
• Expanded professional networks
• Greater exhibition opportunities
• Strengthened portfolio development
• Enhanced industry exposure
• Professional mentorship support
• Improved opportunities for future collaborations
Key Concepts Explained
Image-based artists are creators who use photography and visual imagery as central components of their artistic practice.
Mentorship involves guidance from experienced professionals who support artistic and career development.
Curatorial support refers to professional advice related to selecting, presenting, and developing artistic work.
Portfolio development involves organizing and presenting a body of work that reflects artistic identity and strengths.
Submission Requirements
Applicants must follow the submission guidelines carefully.
Submission requirements include:
• Submit up to 15 images from one project only
• Images must belong to a single body of work
• Submit a project statement of no more than 200 words
• Only one project submission is allowed
• Multiple project entries are not accepted
• Applicants may submit any recent body of work
Funding and Participation Information
Programme details include:
• Entry fee: Free
• International participation: Open worldwide
• Number of selected awardees: 10
• Printing voucher value: £200 for one selected artist
• Membership duration: One-year Photoworks membership for one selected artist
Who is Eligible?
The opportunity is designed for emerging practitioners at the beginning of their creative careers.
Eligible applicants include:
• BA graduates
• MA graduates
• Image-based artists within the first five years of practice
• Artists within the first five years after graduation
• International applicants from any country
Why This Opportunity Matters
Emerging artists often face challenges in gaining visibility and professional exposure during the early stages of their careers. Opportunities that combine publication, mentorship, exhibition support, and industry connections can help strengthen artistic development and open future pathways.
Potential benefits include:
• Greater international recognition
• Expanded networking opportunities
• Increased exposure to industry professionals
• Enhanced professional development
• Stronger portfolio visibility
• Access to mentorship and guidance
What Applicants Need to Do
Applicants preparing submissions should ensure their work meets all programme requirements.
Recommended steps include:
- Select one strong and cohesive project.
- Choose up to 15 images from the project.
- Write a concise statement within the 200-word limit.
- Ensure the work reflects a recent body of practice.
- Review submission requirements carefully before applying.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applicants should avoid common submission errors.
Common mistakes include:
• Submitting images from multiple projects
• Exceeding the 200-word statement limit
• Sending multiple project entries
• Selecting unrelated images without a clear theme
• Submitting incomplete materials
• Providing unclear project descriptions
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who can apply for the Photography+ Emerging Talent Issue?
BA graduates, MA graduates, and image-based artists within the first five years of practice and/or graduation can apply.
Is there an application fee?
No. Entry is completely free.
How many images can be submitted?
Applicants may submit up to 15 images.
Can I submit more than one project?
No. Only one project submission is allowed.
What should be included with the submission?
Applicants must provide a project statement of no more than 200 words along with their images.
How many artists will be selected?
Ten artists will be selected for the programme.
What additional benefits are available?
Selected artists may receive mentoring, membership support, printing assistance, social media exposure, and exhibition opportunities.
Conclusion
The Photography+ Emerging Talent Issue offers emerging photographers and image-based artists an opportunity to gain meaningful visibility and professional support. Through publication, mentorship, exhibition exposure, and networking opportunities, the programme helps strengthen creative careers and supports the development of new artistic voices worldwide.
For more information, visit Photoworks.