Vantage Point Sharjah (VPS) Photography Exhibition

This year’s theme, ‘If I Were Another’, derives from the title of a poem by Mahmoud Darwish, which addresses intimate individual experiences and the weight of history and collective memory. VPS12 is an invitation to see the world through the lens of others who hold different identities, histories and sensibilities.

Emerging photographers working in all areas, genres and styles are welcome to submit applications in line with this year’s theme. The selection committee will identify five artists whose work will be showcased in a group exhibition from 28 September to 8 December 2024 at Bait Obaid Al Shamsi. The shortlisted artists will be encouraged to present in creative formats, and a proportion of the production funding will be provided by the Foundation. As well as the opportunity to exhibit, the chosen artists will benefit from professional support, including workshops and mentorships devised to foster their development as photographers.

VPS12 will take place from 28 September to 8 December 2024 at the house of Obaid bin Hamad Al Shamsi. A creekside heritage house in the Al Shuwaiheen neighbourhood, was the personal residence of pearl merchant Obaid bin Hamad Al Shamsi and his family until the 1970s.

What they offer?

• The selected artists will receive a standard artist fee and participate in VPS12. All works for the exhibition will be produced in Sharjah with the professional and financial support of the Foundation. A booklet for the exhibition, featuring the artists and their works, will be published.
• The artists will be invited to Sharjah for the exhibition and offered opportunities to participate in public programmes and digital projects produced and distributed by the Foundation. To foster their growth and development as photographers, they will be paired with mentors and take part in a series of workshops, meetups and studio visits with professionals in the field.

What materials is needed to submit?

• You will need to submit a portfolio suitable for a solo presentation (PDF format, under 30 MB). The portfolio must include an artist statement, a short bio and a series of at least five photographs. Each portfolio can contain up to a maximum of four series. The submission can also include work images, installation photos, videos, statements and reviews.

Who can apply? 

• Applicant criteria:
  • The application process is open to all globally.
  • Works in all areas, genres and styles of photography are welcome.
  • Applicants should not have had institutional solo exhibitions before the date of the application.
  • Applicants should have at least three bodies/series of existing photographic work.

Selection Criteria

• A total of five artists will be selected by Foundation staff. Deliberations will be based strictly on the submitted portfolio; applications that do not meet the submission criteria will be automatically disqualified. When examining entries, Foundation staff will consider the following questions:
  • What is the importance of the theme or subject matter?
  • Is the theme or subject matter applied consistently throughout the series?
  • Are the images strong individually?
  • What technical and presentation choices has the photographer made, and are they appropriate for the work?
  • Does the body of work take an innovative or unique approach to the theme or subject matter?

For more information, visit Sharjah Art Foundation.