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Open Call for Portfolios: LagosPhoto Festival 2025 Commissions

The African Artists’ Foundation (AAF) and LagosPhoto are pleased to announce an open call for artist portfolios for the 2025 edition of the festival. This call is specifically for artists working with lens-based media, such as photography, video, or mixed media, who wish to be commissioned to create new work for the upcoming biennial event.

With this open call, LagosPhoto is seeking to identify and work with talented artists, offering them the chance to develop work that will contribute to one of Africa’s most recognized international photography festivals. Selected artists will be commissioned to create work based on the 2025 theme, “Incarceration,” and will benefit from mentorship, workshops, and curatorial guidance throughout the creative process.

The Transition to a Biennial Format

Starting in 2025, LagosPhoto will transition from an annual event to a biennial format. This shift will allow for deeper engagement with themes and provide artists with more time to develop their work. The festival’s new structure will also create more opportunities for artists to collaborate with curators, receive training, and ultimately present fully realized bodies of work.

The theme for LagosPhoto 2025 is “Incarceration”. This theme encourages exploration of various forms of confinement that influence contemporary human experience. While the idea of incarceration often conjures images of physical imprisonment, the theme also touches on psychological, social, and intellectual restraints. Artists are encouraged to reflect on how these forms of confinement shape identity, behavior, and freedom.

However, it is important to note that this particular open call is not for submitting work directly related to the theme. Instead, LagosPhoto is calling for portfolios that reflect a general overview of the artist’s creative practice, regardless of previous engagement with the theme of incarceration.

A separate open call will be announced at a later date for artists wishing to submit existing work that directly relates to the theme.

About the Artist Program

Selected artists will participate in a comprehensive artist development program designed to enhance their artistic practice and help them create new work aligned with the festival’s theme. The program will include:

  • Artists will engage in workshops focusing on thematic exploration, artistic techniques, and project development. These sessions will provide valuable tools for interpreting the festival’s theme through a creative lens.
  • Artists will receive guidance and mentorship from established photographers, curators, and art professionals. This mentorship will help artists refine their concepts and develop their work.
  • Participants will receive curatorial feedback and advice to shape their proposals, ensuring they align with the festival’s overall vision and theme.
  • The commissioned works will be exhibited at LagosPhoto 2025, offering selected artists exposure to a global audience.

How to Apply

Artists are invited to submit portfolios that represent their practice and artistic vision.

Portfolios do not need to include work related to the 2025 theme, as this open call is intended to help the selection committee gain a general understanding of the artist’s body of work. Artists will not be judged on their engagement with the theme at this stage but rather on the strength and originality of their portfolio.

Initially, artists will be shortlisted based on the submitted portfolios. Those selected will participate in the artist development program, during which they will submit detailed proposals for new work centered around the theme of Incarceration. Final selections for commissioned projects will be made based on these proposals, considering their relevance to the theme and the potential impact of the proposed work.

To apply, please submit the following via email:

  • Portfolio: This should include examples of your recent work in lens-based media. You are welcome to submit multiple bodies of work, but each project should include a written description explaining the concept and approach.
  • Artist Statement and Bio: Your statement should highlight your artistic practice, experience, and the media channels where your work can be viewed.

Send your application to entries25@lagosphotofestival.com with the subject line “LagosPhoto 2025 Open Call – [Your Name]”.

Deadline: All submissions must be received by December 23, 2024, 11:59 PM.

For more information about the open call and the 2025 LagosPhoto Festival, contact us at info@africanartists.org

LagosPhoto 2025 Open Call for Commissions
African Artists' Foundation
African Artists' Foundation