2024 OPEN SUBMISSION

ALL SUBMITTING PHOTOGRAPHERS RECEIVE:

• Submission review by a diverse jury of industry professionals

• Opportunities for project exposure across festival materials, our social network partnerships, website and press outreach

20 TO 40 FINALIST PHOTOGRAPHERS RECEIVE:

• Print production and exposure at our city centre and outdoor galleries for an accessible one month exhibition run of over 100,000 visitors

• Permanent publication in the Festival programme, website and marketing materials

• Festival representation and promotion in our award winning media and PR campaign with combined reach of 30 million

• Participation and promotion in our Instagram residency 

• Dedicated feature on the Festival website with full online gallery

• Inclusion in the Festival issue of Abridged Magazine

• Partner exhibition and exposure at the 2025 Photo Schwiez Festival in Switzerland

ADDITIONAL AWARDS AND CASH PRIZES:

Spotlight Award of £2,000 ( Approx $2,700 / €2,300) 

1 Year Free Royal Photographic Society Membership 

Abridged Editorial Award with full project feature

Aesthetica Editorial Award - with editorial presentation in  the  printed and digital issue of Aesthetica international art and culture magazine

JURY

Damarice Amao - Curator of Photography: Centre Pompidou, Paris, (France)

Mirjam Kooiman - Curator: Foam, Amsterdam, (Netherlands)

Irene Lombardo - Cultural Project Manager: Magnum Photos, Paris, (France)

Meaghan Looram - Director of Photography: The New York Times, New York, (USA)

Jessica Baxter - Assistant Curator: Tate Modern, London, (UK)

Brendan McCleary - Curator: PHOTO 2024 International Festival of Photography, (Australia)

Michael Famighetti - Editor: Aperture Magazine, New York, (U.S.A)

Michael Weir - Director: Belfast Photo Festival, Belfast, (UK / IRELAND)

COMPETITION DESCRIPTION

Described as “One of the best photography festivals in the world” (Capture Magazine), the annual Belfast Photo Festival provides the perfect platform for those looking for new or additional exposure to both international and industry audiences. 

Belfast Photo Festival gives opportunity for established and emerging photographers to have their work assessed by an influential jury, receive a range of prizes and an investment in production and promotion of their work in Festival exhibitions and outreach.  

The open theme removes most barriers. Submissions must be photographic or lens-based but can include combinations with other art forms such as performance, painting, sculpture, music, literature and more. 

Individuals and collectives are welcome to apply by entering between 1 and 15 photographs from a particular series or body of work. In addition or alternatively they may submit their Photo-book for consideration.