Deadline: 2 November 2025
The Rotterdam Photo 2025, in collaboration with Amarte Fonds, invites emerging Dutch photographers to participate in a unique opportunity to explore and express the theme Shared/Connected.
As new ideologies challenge the privatization of shared resources and the dominance of hierarchical systems, this theme encourages artists to delve into the complexities of communal connections in their increasingly digital and interconnected world.
Together with the support of Amarte Fonds, Rotterdam Photo is dedicated to fostering innovative visual artists who are redefining photography as a medium for creative expression and autonomous art. The Dutch Talent Project Grants will select five outstanding artists whose work embodies this spirit of exploration and innovation.
This initiative not only provides a platform for emerging Dutch talent but also ensures these artists have the resources and guidance needed to bring their visions to life. Submission is free of charge, and this open call is intended for 3rd and 4th-year art academy students and ‘Photography’ alumni who have been active as autonomous visual artists since 2020. Study projects are supported, but only those developed alongside or after their studies. Additionally, self-taught artists with up to five years of practical experience are invited to submit a project proposal.
Funding Information
- A stipend of €3,000 will be awarded to selected candidates, enabling them to develop their ongoing projects into “work in progress” exhibitions for Rotterdam Photo 2025.
Why Participate?
- Rotterdam Photo is an annual photo fair with a festival flair. Being part of Rotterdam Art Week, the event attracts art lovers, collectors, and gallerists from different parts of the globe.
- The fair every year offers a wide gamut of independent photographers the opportunity to exhibit their projects. Photographers can participate individually or on behalf of the gallery by submitting their works and projects via an open call related to the current theme. The goal of the photo fair is to offer an affordable exhibition space directly to photographers, decreasing all related costs compared to the usual art/photo fairs.
Eligibility Criteria
- Rotterdam Photo Festival is open to submissions including different mediums, such as photography, installations, performance, digital art, and documentary works.
Selection Criteria
- The selection process for the Rotterdam Photo contests consists of three rounds of evaluation. In each round, the photography experts panel (selection committee) will individually review entries and select a group of entries in each category to proceed to the following round.
- Entries will be judged based on creativity, photographic quality, and effectiveness in expressing the contest theme. Winners will be announced on this website as well as on social media channels.
For more information, visit Rotterdam Photo.
