January 2026 Photo Awards & Open Calls Guide
Comprehensive guide to 8 photography awards and open calls for January 2026, including grants, exhibitions, and contests with deadlines and prize details.
PhMuseum has compiled a comprehensive guide to photography opportunities opening in January 2026. This curated selection includes eight major opportunities spanning grants, exhibitions, and international contests.
The PhMuseum Photography Grant (Deadline: 29 January early bird, 19 February regular) offers €10,000 cash prizes, international festival exhibitions, and media exposure. Now in its 14th edition, it supports visual projects and has previously awarded photographers like Max Pinckers and Diana Markosian.
The Seed Award 2026 (Deadline: 8 January, no fee) provides €5,000 grants to 100 early-career creatives from Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Caribbean, Middle East, and Eastern Europe in their first 1-5 years of professional practice.
Aperture Portfolio Prize 2026 (Deadline: 10 January, €71 fee) awards the first-prize winner $5,000 cash plus $1,000 gear voucher with publication in Aperture magazine. Four shortlisted artists receive $1,000 each with editorial features. All five finalists exhibit at AIPAD Photography Show in New York in April 2026.
World Press Photo Contest 2026 (Deadline: 17 January, no fee) invites photojournalists and documentary photographers to submit 2025 work in three categories: Singles, Stories, and Long-Term Projects. Prize winners receive €1,000 and inclusion in the travelling exhibition and yearbook. The highest honors carry €10,000 additional prize and FUJIFILM equipment.
Fotografia Europea Open Call 2026 (Deadline: 9 January, €25 fee) seeks photographers, curators, and collectives (born in or resident in Europe) for its festival titled "Fantasmi del Quotidiano." Selected participants receive €3,000 production grants, dedicated exhibition space, curatorial support, and full insurance coverage. Exhibition runs 30 April-14 June 2026 in Reggio Emilia, Italy.
Premio Luigi Ghirri 2026 (Deadline: 7 January, no fee) welcomes Italian artists under 35 to explore the theme "Voci/Voices." Seven finalists each receive €1,500 production prize. The grand prize winner receives €4,000 with opportunities for Stockholm residency and portfolio review participation.