Open Call for Exhibitions at Fotofestival Lenzburg 2025

We are delighted to invite you to submit photographic projects and images for the next edition of Fotofestival Lenzburg, a not-to-be missed event to be held in Lenzburg and Aarau between May and June 2026. Renowned photographers and emerging talents from all over the world are invited to share their interpretation of the Festival theme by submitting a project or single images. The project and images can be new or already existing and previously exhibited. FOREVER HAPPY investigates happiness and its ubiquitous yet contradictory positions in contemporary society. How can images help us understand happiness and its limits?

The competition is open to all types of photography and aimed at Swiss and international photographers and artists working with photography and still images.

An esteemed international jury of experts in the field will evaluate the artistic qualities of the entries and select projects that provide an original contribution to the Festival theme "FOREVER HAPPY". Three projects will be exhibited during the 7th edition of the Festival. One of the exhibited project will be awarded with the Jury Award sponsored by the Artphilein De Pietri Foundation, with a prize sum of 1,500 CHF, will be showcased at Artphilein Focus in Paradiso/Lugano, and will be selected for a publication in the Artphilein Cahier series.

From the Single Images open call, the jury will select 40 outstanding photographs to be displayed in the shop windows of Lenzburg's historic city centre. Each image will be assigned a unique number, allowing the public to vote for their favourite via QR code. This open-air exhibition is part of the Public's Award, which grants a prize of 1,000 CHF to the winning image.

The Fotofestival Lenzburg has already showcased internationally renowned photographers, and this small Swiss town is quickly gaining recognition as a prominent photography event, offering artists a global platform. During the festival, the town transforms into an open-air photo gallery, featuring multiple exhibitions, photobook corners in cafés, and a diverse program of events, including portfolio reviews, workshops, and talks with photographers and experts. This unique setting creates an intimate and welcoming atmosphere, inviting a wide audience to immerse themselves in both professional and artistic photography.

What winners receive

Category Project
Solo exhibition during the 7th edition of the Festival for three selected projects
The Jury's Prize for the best "Project," with a reward of 1500 CHF, sponsored by the Artphilein De Pietri Foundation
Winning project will be showcased at Artphilein Focus, Paradiso / Lugano.
Publication in the Artphilein Cahier series
Dedicated feature on the Festival website and communication channels / features in Festival's partners channels (up to 20 partners)
Accommodation in Lenzburg for the opening's weekend (May 2026)

Category Single Image
Exhibition of the selected image during the Festival for more than 40 single images
People's Prize for best "Single Image", with a reward of 1.000 CHF
Dedicated feature on the Festival website and communication channels / features in Festival's partners channels (up to 20 partners)