Ffocws Open Call

Ffocws is a brand new initiative launched by Ffotogallery to support early career artists in and from Wales working with photography and lens based media. After visiting graduate shows from Higher Education Institutes across the country, we have selected a number of outstanding projects by graduating students to exhibit their work in a group exhibition later this year.

Ffotogallery understands that for many early career artists, feelings of anxiety about the future are common and reports of dwindling opportunities add greater uncertainty to an already precarious vocation. Being an artist runs deeper than materials, needs and habits but is about testing the current situation that confronts you; this is an attitude that we admire and respect in emerging artists. Therefore, Ffotogallery is committed to its guiding principles of promoting greater cultural diversity, access and inclusion, lifelong learning, innovation, and excellence.

About the Open Call

We understand that not everybody has the opportunity to study at Higher Education level, which is why we are introducing the Ffocws Open Call specifically for emerging / early-career photographers who have not obtained a formal qualification in the subject. We want to see creativity, authenticity, and enthusiasm shine through your work. The selected artist(s) will exhibit their work in the exhibition alongside the other emerging photographers selected from higher education institution graduate shows across Wales.

Who can enter?

Ffocws is open to everyone in/from Wales over the age of 18 who has not attained any formal arts qualification. Artists must be applying within the first ten years of their practice. Whether you are a professional photographer, photography enthusiast, or a beginner, we are looking for individuals who have at least one complete project/body of work. We encourage applications from visual artists who have not had the opportunity to exhibit their work in a gallery before. We especially encourage visual artists from all underrepresented backgrounds and communities to apply.

About Us

Ffotogallery is Wales’s dedicated organisation for contemporary photography and socially engaged practice. We are a photography and lens-based media charity committed to empowering compelling visual artists to develop work that adds value to society. This is demonstrated through our exciting programme of exhibitions, events, talks and symposia.

Benefits

Selected applicants will exhibit their work in a group exhibition at Ffotogallery in Cardiff. Out of the exhibited artists, one winner will be selected to further develop their practice with the help of a six-month long support and mentorship package.

Timeline

15 August 2022 – Call for entries open

15 September 2022 – Submissions deadline

26 September 2022 – Winner(s) Contacted

How to enter

Please follow the instructions carefully. Any incomplete submissions will NOT be considered. Participants applying for the Open Call should ensure that their submissions contain the following information:

Your full name, date of birth, personal email address, and country of residence in a word document.
A selection of up to 10 photographs from a completed body of work (max. 72dpi, 1920 pixels wide)
If submitting a video work for consideration, please supply a link to view the film online.
A project description giving us details of the portfolio you have uploaded for this application and captions (250 words max)
Artist statement/CV (100 words max) including a link to your website, where applicable
Image Rights

Entrants retain ownership and copyright of their submitted photographs. All selected entries may be published by Ffotogallery in magazines or books, on websites, or in any other medium, at Ffotogallery’s discretion. Such use will be restricted to promotion, publicity, news, or informational education or awareness usage of Ffotogallery. By participating, all selected applicants grant Ffotogallery usage of images and acknowledge that Ffotogallery may use the entries and a name credit in any media before, during and after, without restriction in relation to the uses stated above. Ffotogallery will not be required to pay any additional consideration or seek any additional approval in connection with such use.

Email your submission to opencall@ffotogallery.org with the subject line: Ffocws Open Call 2022

Applications should be submitted via WeTransfer where files are too large to be sent via email.

Any incomplete submissions will not be considered.

By submitting your work to this open call, you agree to the terms above.

If you have any questions about the open call, please contact cynthia@ffotogallery.org


NOTE: The organizers may reschedule, modify or cancel this event at their discretion. Please contact the organizers directly to confirm these details before attending.