Open call: Applications are now open for the Encontros da Imagem Award 2026

Encontros da Imagem is currently accepting submissions of photographic works, encompassing a broad spectrum of approaches—from documentary practices to projects that challenge and expand the boundaries of photographic construction. The open call remains active until 30 April. Shortlisted works will be featured in an exhibition during the festival, while additional selected projects will be presented through curated screenings. The overall winner will be awarded a monetary prize.

The goal of this open call is to give participants the opportunity to see their work exhibited at a renowned international photo festival and, consequently, promote their visibility.

For the 36th edition of the Encontros da Imagem festival, the organisation intends to present different proposals for contemporary photography, highlighting the diversity and richness of the different approaches, from documentary projects to those that want to explore the limits of photographic construction.

Encontros da Imagem returns between 18 September and 1 November, with the theme Territory and Identity. With exhibitions in different cities in the north of Portugal, the festival aims to foster visual literacy and contribute to the democratisation of photography, both in terms of its appreciation and its creation.

The jury will select the 3 best projects for solo exhibitions, to be presented at the different participating cities in the 36th edition of the festival, from 18 September to 1 November 2026, and from these 3, a winner will be chosen for a cash prize of € 2.000 (two thousand euros). The winner will be announced publicly during the festival. In addition to the projects selected for exhibition, 17 projects will also be chosen to form part of a collective video screening, to be presented during the same period.

The rules, registration details and information about the festival can be found here.