Open call 2027

Rotterdam Photo 2027 open call: Vibrance—The Pulse of a Living World. Rotterdam Photo invites photographers worldwide to submit their work for the 2027 edition, taking place March 17–21, 2027 during Rotterdam Art Week.

For its 2027 edition, Rotterdam Photo presents VIBRANCE—The Pulse of a Living World, turning its attention towards what continues to move, connect and generate meaning in an increasingly fragmented world.

Vibrance explores energy in its many forms—from the intimate to the collective, from physical presence to digital intensity. It can be found in bodies coming together, cities in flux, cultural expression, ecosystems, communities and the invisible forces shaping everyday life. Vibrance is not simply movement: it can also be tension, rhythm, resistance, transformation, vulnerability and renewal.

The festival invites photographers to interpret the theme freely, across documentary, experimental, conceptual, analogue and digital practices. From a single image to an extensive photographic project, the Open Call welcomes diverse approaches to contemporary image-making.

Three categories
Photographers can apply to one or multiple categories, with each submission reviewed separately by the selection committee.

Single image—international
For individual photographic works. Selected images will become large-scale 2.5 × 2.5 metre PVC installations displayed on the exterior of festival containers across Rotterdam Photo’s public festival site. Full production is covered by the festival. Submission fee: 19 EUR per image / Deadline: 4 October 4, 2026

Projects—international
For photographic projects and series. Selected photographers receive a dedicated exhibition space within Rotterdam Photo's container village in the heart of Rotterdam, becoming part of a large-scale public exhibition during Rotterdam Art Week.

Artists retain curatorial freedom in presenting their work, and Rotterdam Photo does not charge commission on sales. Selected artists also gain access to an international audience of collectors, curators, gallerists, press and photography professionals. Submission fee: 29 EUR per entry until 7 September 2026; 35 EUR thereafter / Deadline: October 4, 2026

Rotterdam Photo x Amarte: Dutch Talent Grant—The Netherlands
In collaboration with Amarte Fonds, this category supports emerging photographers based in, studying in, or having completed their studies in the Netherlands.

Five selected artists receive a 3,000 EUR production grant to develop new work around VIBRANCE, alongside artistic guidance and a dedicated exhibition space at Rotterdam Photo 2027.

Selected artists can also participate in Rotterdam Photo Talks and networking events, connect with curators and international photography professionals, and gain visibility through Rotterdam Photo and its partners. Submission fee: Free / Deadline: October 4, 2026

Opportunities for selected photographers
Selected artists gain more than an exhibition. Rotterdam Photo offers international visibility through its festival communications and partner networks, including photography platforms and publications such as LensCulture, Dodho Magazine and All About Photo.

Artists can take part in Rotterdam Photo Talks and networking events and connect with curators, collectors, gallerists, press and fellow photographers. Selected work is included in the official festival programme and publications, with opportunities to reach 10,000+ visitors in central Rotterdam during Rotterdam Art Week.

Rotterdam Photo also supports selected artists beyond the 2027 edition through continued promotion across its website, social media channels and future festival communications, as well as potential international exhibition exchanges through its partner network.

About Rotterdam Photo
Rotterdam Photo is an international photography festival and platform for contemporary image-making, bringing photography into Rotterdam’s public space through exhibitions, installations and public programming. Since 2016, the festival has created a meeting point for photographers, audiences and the wider creative community, connecting local experiences with international perspectives.

VIBRANCE—The Pulse of a Living World invites photographers to explore the many ways energy becomes visible, felt and shared.

Deadline for all categories: October 4, 2026.

Find the full guidelines and apply via the Rotterdam Photo website.