F/262 Curated Open Call

From project to exhibition. From idea to public space..

About the Open Call

The F/262 Curated Open Call invites photographers, artists, and visual storytellers to submit a complete body of work for consideration in the 2026 festival exhibitions.

We are looking for strong visual narratives that speak to contemporary issues, personal histories, cultural identity, or experimental approaches. Selected projects will become part of the festival’s indoor exhibitions, publications, and artist programs across Caldas da Rainha.

This is not a competition.
There are no prizes, rankings, or awards.
Selection is based solely on artistic merit, originality, and curatorial relevance.

All genres are welcome: fine art, documentary, portrait, conceptual, experimental, cross-media, or interdisciplinary practice.

What to Submit

Each submission must include:

• 10 to 20 images (JPEG, sRGB, max 5MB each)
• Project title
• Project statement (200–500 words)
• Artist bio (100–300 words)
• Optional: video, audio, installation proposal, or web-based work

Projects should show conceptual and visual coherence.
Works-in-progress are accepted as long as they can be exhibition-ready by Summer 2026.

Key Facts

📅 Submissions open: Dates to be announced
⏳ Deadline: February 25 2026
📣 Final selection announced: April 2026
🖼️ Festival exhibitions: Summer 2026
💶 Entry fee: €45 per project

Fee reductions or waivers available for:
• Under-25 artists
• Applicants from underrepresented regions or communities
• Verified student groups or nonprofit institutions (request before submitting)

Exhibition Format

Selected projects will be:

• Exhibited in indoor cultural venues such as museums, galleries, and civic spaces
• Presented with full credit and wall text developed in consultation with the artist
• Included in the official festival guide and artist listings
• Promoted across F/262 communication channels, press partners, and photography networks
• Considered for additional festival programs such as talks, reviews, or publication features

All exhibition production costs are covered by F/262.

How to Submit

All submissions must be completed through the official online platform.

Submissions sent by email, WeTransfer, or Dropbox will not be considered.

→ Submit Your Project via [link coming soon]

Selection Process

Every project will be reviewed by:

• The F/262 curatorial team
• Guest curators and international advisors
• External reviewers from partner institutions

Selections are evaluated on:

• Conceptual clarity
• Visual strength
• Originality and relevance
• Feasibility for exhibition (space, format, readiness)

There is no set number of selected works.
All decisions are final.

TIMELINE

Phase	Dates	Description
Open Call	Jan 1 – Mar 15 2026	Submission via the official form at f262.pt
Finalists Announced	April 2026	Selected photographers notified by email
Printing & Preparation	May–June 2026	F/262 prepares exhibition prints
Exhibition Opening	Summer 2026	Outdoor displays in Caldas da Rainha & Óbidos
Print Collection	October 2026	Finalists may collect their printed works

Eligibility & Terms

Open worldwide to photographers, artists, and collectives
• No restriction on age, nationality, or background
• Collaborative projects are welcome (list all authors in the credits)
• Artists retain full copyright
• By submitting, artists grant F/262 non-exclusive rights to exhibit and promote the selected work during the 2026 festival
• Artists may be invited for talks, panels, or educational sessions
• Exhibition prints may be donated to the festival archive or collected after the show

Rights & Credits

All selected artists will:

• Be fully credited in all print and digital materials
• Be consulted on wall texts and any curatorial adaptations
• Retain all rights to their images and texts
• Have the option to reclaim or donate their exhibition prints

FAQ

Can I submit more than one project?

Yes. Each project requires a separate submission and fee. All submissions are reviewed independently.

Can I also submit to the F/262 Photography Award?

Yes. The Open Call and the ZÉ Award are separate programs. Submitting to one does not affect eligibility for the other.

Can I submit multimedia work?

Yes. Video, audio, installation, interactive, and web-based formats are welcome. Please include clear instructions or supporting material to help the curatorial team understand the work.

Do I have to attend the festival?

No. Attendance is encouraged but not required. Your work will be exhibited even if you cannot be present.

What happens if I win?

Winners receive the ZÉ Award trophy, an official certificate, international visibility, festival-wide promotion, and inclusion in the outdoor exhibition and festival catalogue. You may also be invited for interviews, features, and future collaborations with F/262.