Belfast Photo Festival Open Submission ends 2 March 2026

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Deadline: 2 March 2026. Described as “One of the best photography festivals in the world” (Capture Magazine), the annual Belfast Photo Festival provides the perfect platform for those looking for new or additional exposure to both international and industry audiences.

Belfast Photo Festival gives opportunity for established and emerging photographers to have their work assessed by an influential jury, receive a range of prizes and an investment in production and promotion of their work in Festival exhibitions and outreach.

The open theme removes most barriers. Submissions must be photographic or lens-based but can include combinations with other art forms such as performance, painting, sculpture, music, literature and more.

Individuals and collectives are welcome to apply by entering between 1 and 15 photographs from a particular series or body of work. In addition or alternatively they may submit their Photo-book for consideration.

Jury
Roxana Marcoci – Acting Chief Curator: MoMA, New York,(U.S.A)
Florian Ebner – Head of Photography: Centre Pompidou, Paris (France)
Alessia Glaviano – Head of Global: PhotoVogue, Milan, (Italy)
Kim Bubello – Deputy Director of Photography: TIME, New York (U.S.A)
Lisa Sutcliffe- Curator: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, (U.S.A)
Michael Weir – Director: Belfast Photo Festival, Belfast, (UK / IRELAND)

Prizes:

ALL SUBMITTING PHOTOGRAPHERS RECEIVE:
Submission review by a diverse jury of industry professionals
Opportunities for project exposure across festival materials, our social network partnerships, website and press outreach
2026 Portfolio Review Discount

20 TO 40 FINALIST PHOTOGRAPHERS RECEIVE:
Print production and exposure at our city centre and outdoor galleries for an accessible one month exhibition run of over 100,000 visitors
Permanent publication in the Festival programme, website and marketing materials
Festival representation and promotion in our award winning media and PR campaign with combined reach of 115 million
Participation and promotion in our Instagram residency
Dedicated feature on the Festival website with full online gallery
Inclusion in the Festival issue of Abridged Magazine
Partner exhibition and exposure at the 2027 Photo Schwiez Festival in Switzerland

ADDITIONAL AWARDS AND CASH PRIZES:
Spotlight Award of £2,000 (Approx $2,700 / €2,300)
Abridged Editorial Award with full project feature
MORE TO BE ANNOUNCED

Photo Contest Website: http://www.belfastphotofestival.com/