Copenhagen International Photography Festival: Call for Solo Artists 2025

Do you want to receive international exposure and connect with the photography industry in the Nordics? This is an open call for visual artists and photographers interested in a solo exhibition at Copenhagen Photo Festival 2025. We are looking for interesting projects that engage with the overarching theme for the 2025 edition ‘Fremkaldelse / Into the Light’. .

Copenhagen Photo Festival 2025 is showcasing an artistically and conceptually ambitious programme that celebrates creativity and experimentation within photography and lens-based art, and aims to build bridges between fine art and documentary photography.

The festival takes place in the center of Copenhagen as well as at collaborating galleries, museums and cultural institutions in Copenhagen and southern Sweden. Throughout the festival, photography is on the agenda through exhibitions, networking programs, workshops, talks, photobook market and more. In 2025 we will have more focus on exhibitions in the public space of Copenhagen.

The open call
The open call is for artists and photographers who want to break new ground and challenge the idea of what photography is and can be, now and in the future. The winners of the open call will get the opportunity to present a solo exhibition at Copenhagen Photo Festival 2025.

Copenhagen Photo Festival’s featured solo exhibitions aims to expand the boundaries of exhibiting photography and focus on sustainable development, not least in relation to the specific place the festival is situated, but also with regards to the materiality of displaying photography, as well as presenting new perspectives and emerging talents.

As a solo artist you will work in close collaboration with the curatorial team about the planning of the exhibition. If you are selected as one of the shortlisted artists, you are invited for an interview with the CPF curatorial team in the fall of 2025 before the final selection of the headliners for 2025.

If you are selected we have a sharp focus on promoting your work and exhibition on all our platforms and social media channels. But we also aim to create an on site activity program that revolves around your work through relevant activities, e.g. workshops, guided tours and/or talks. As a selected artist we expect you to participate in the activities program created around you and your work.

Your exhibition will be placed in an indoor or outdoor space depending on the project and the overall curatorial strategy. In line with festival values the artist should be prepared to think creatively and experimentally in terms of the hangings and/or installations of the works, as it is a core value for the festival to create exhibitions that are true to the festival format and interact engagingly or even surprisingly or contrastfully with the theme, the project it self and the surroundings it will be presented within.

'Theme 2025: 'Fremkaldelse / Into the Light'

The Danish word 'Fremkaldelse' is specifically connected to the photographic process. Namely, as the moment of truth, when the image comes to light – or literally is "called forth’ – on film or paper after having lain hidden in the camera's dark house. The development process fascinates because it balances skill and chemistry with chance and loss of control, so that something new and perhaps surprising appears.

To ‘fremkalde’ means to cause something to step out of the darkness and into the light - both figuratively and concretely. You shed light on what is not immediately visible. A process that requires selection and opt-out. But also patience and persistence. Qualities that are challenged in an age that celebrates quick fixes, 15 second stories and new beginnings.

In our time, the complexity of everyday life can feel like a blow to the stomach. We are confronted daily with war, conflict and climate challenges. But the intricacies of this contemporary complexity call to be brought into the light. To be seen, scrutinized patiently, shown and told about.

With the 2025 theme 'Fremkaldelser / Into the Light', we want to call out what was hidden in order to create understanding and insight. It could be uncovering hidden stories or agendas in our society or personal (self) insight. This year's theme is a call to sharpen your gaze, shed light on your own and others' blind spots or practice simply seeing.

There is also hope in the theme. Spreading light in a dark time. One can so easily feel paralysed when darkness threatens. Light and hope are therefore essential to deal with the many challenges around us.

What exhibitors receive As an exhibitor at Copenhagen Photo Festival, your work will receive international exposure on a plethora of platforms giving you a chance to connect with other art and photography professionals. Exhibitors will more specifically receive:

A solo exhibition in the heart of Copenhagen
€ 530 fee as a festival participant.
€ 320 support for travel to and accommodation in CPH (for international photographers)
Copenhagen Photo Festival will cover the expenses for the exhibition
A targeted PR- and marketing strategy for your exhibition on Copenhagen Photo Festival’s communication platforms
The possibility to meet and make contact with other exhibitors, curators and professionals through a large networking dinner, talks and gallery walks