PhotoIreland FUTURES Talents 2027

PhotoIreland FUTURES Talents 2027 is a free open call that selects photographers to join FUTURES, the European photography platform that connects emerging artists with festivals, museums and galleries across the continent. PhotoIreland, the platform's Irish member, is running its tenth talent call and, for the first time, opening it to artists in both Ireland and the UK. Selected artists receive a €500 fee and a funded trip to the FUTURES Annual Event in Vienna. The deadline is 6pm on Friday 27 November 2026.

The call is for contemporary lens-based artists at any stage of their career who show dedication and serious intent in their practice.

About PhotoIreland FUTURES

FUTURES is a European platform of photography organisations, supported by Creative Europe, that each year nominates a group of emerging artists. In 2027 the platform celebrates its tenth anniversary. Its annual event brings the artists together with curators, editors and festival directors for talks, workshops and portfolio reviews.

Who Can Apply?

• Artists based in Ireland or the UK
• Irish and UK artists working abroad
• Photographers and lens-based artists using photography in an expanded way
• Any level of experience, with no CV requirements

PhotoIreland recommends looking at previous Irish FUTURES artists to understand the kind of practice the jury looks for.

Application Fee

Free.

What Do Selected Artists Receive?

• A €500 participation fee
• Travel, accommodation and per diem for the Annual Event in Vienna, hosted by Foto Arsenal Wien
• FUTURES Conversations with international professionals, online and in person
• Internal open calls for the travelling exhibition, curated in 2027 by Foto Arsenal Wien, Fotofestiwal Lodz and The Finnish Museum of Photography
• Mentoring sessions with FUTURES members
• Magnum workshops developed for FUTURES artists
• Promotion on futures-photography.com, social media and the annual publication

What to Submit

Email a single PDF with "FUTURES" in the subject line. It should contain a third-person bio of up to 200 words, an artist statement, a CV, a description of your latest project of up to 500 words, low-resolution images from that project and brief information on past work (links are fine). Keep the PDF light: large files are sent back. You should receive an acknowledgement within two working days. If selected, you will be asked for high-resolution TIFF files.

Tips for Applying

Focus on one recent, coherent project and present it with care: the sequence of images and the clarity of your statement matter. Explain why the work matters now and how it connects to your wider practice. The platform values artists who will take part actively, so show you are ready to make use of the network.

Why Apply?

FUTURES connects emerging photographers with a network of European festivals, museums and publishers. Past artists have gone on to exhibitions, publications and residencies through the platform. Because the call is free and asks for no minimum experience, it is one of the most accessible ways for artists in Ireland and the UK to reach a European audience.

Preparing Your PDF

Put your strongest images first and keep the layout simple, so the work speaks for itself. Make sure your statement and project description are clear, specific and free of jargon. Ask someone outside your practice to read them before you send the application.

Things to Consider

• Free to apply.
• Ireland and UK artists only.
• One PDF by email.
• Deadline: 27 November 2026, 6pm.

Apply to the Open Call

Ready to apply?

Apply to PhotoIreland FUTURES Talents

Full details are on the PhotoIreland website.

Looking for more open calls? Browse all competitions and opportunities on Good Stuff Weekly.

Last verified: November 2, 2026