Briefly
Program description
Brave New Visions: Creativity as Rebellion is a global open call by PhotoVogue for photographers and video makers from around the world. The initiative supports creators who use visual storytelling to explore contemporary realities and present their own perspectives on current social challenges.
The programme is based on the understanding that today’s world is shaped by conflict, injustice, uncertainty, and the rapid circulation of images and information. In this context, participants are encouraged to create works that do more than document reality and instead provide a meaningful response to contemporary conditions and events.
A distinctive feature of the programme is that it does not prescribe a specific theme. Instead, it seeks works that express a clear personal position and thoughtful response to the world as it exists today, regardless of genre or artistic discipline.
The programme supports projects that can challenge indifference, draw attention to important issues, and create meaningful visual encounters that inspire discussion and deeper understanding through the power of visual culture.
Main Information
Eligibility
The open call welcomes photographers, video makers, and artists from around the world whose work engages with contemporary issues through a distinctive visual language and creative perspective.
Key eligibility requirements include:
- Applicants must be 18 years of age or older.
- Both new applicants and individuals who have previously applied to a PhotoVogue Open Call are encouraged to participate.
- The competition is open to participants worldwide.
Eligible submission formats include:
- Photography;
- Video;
- Multimedia projects.
Projects from all genres are welcome, including fashion, documentary, portraiture, fine art, and experimental practices.
Particular attention is given to works that:
- demonstrate a clear point of view;
- present a compelling and distinctive visual language;
- evoke meaningful responses or address contemporary issues.
AI-generated works are not eligible for submission.
Financing
The open call offers a total grant fund of USD 12,000, which will be awarded to three artists whose work demonstrates a powerful and meaningful engagement with contemporary image-making.
The funding opportunities include:
- Outstanding Vision Grant — USD 6,000 for an artist whose work expands the boundaries of visual language.
- Vision Grant — USD 4,000 for an artist with a strong and distinctive creative perspective.
- Rising Voice Grant — USD 2,000 for an emerging artist whose work shows originality, clarity, and promise.
The programme also notes that the international jury will be announced at a later stage, together with additional opportunities connected to the open call.
Supported Activities
The Brave New Visions: Creativity as Rebellion open call supports photographers and video makers who create original visual storytelling projects that engage with contemporary realities and respond to pressing social issues.
Eligible projects may include works that:
- Explore current social, political, cultural, or human challenges through photography or video.
- Present new ways of seeing and artistic expression, moving beyond conventional visual approaches.
- Reflect the creator’s position, perspective, or response to the world around them.
- Address urgent questions, encourage reflection, or stimulate public dialogue.
- Experiment with new visual languages, aesthetics, and creative forms.
The call welcomes projects across different areas of visual culture, including:
- Photography;
- Video-making;
- Documentary work;
- Artistic practices;
- Fashion and visual culture.
Particular interest is given to works created from conviction, creative freedom, and a strong personal vision, with the ability to challenge indifference, inspire reflection, or make important realities visible.
Selected participants may receive the following opportunities:
- Presentation of their work at the next edition of the PhotoVogue Festival.
- The opportunity to be published across Vogue’s global editions.
- Invitation to participate in the PhotoVogue Virtual Portfolio Reviews.
- Access to additional opportunities and updates shared throughout the open call period.
PhotoVogue’s mission focuses on supporting artistic talent, promoting diversity, and advancing visual literacy while encouraging fair, ethical, and inclusive practices within the field of image-making.
Roadmap
Key programme milestones include:
- Application period opens on May 14.
- Application deadline — September 11 at 11:59 PM CEST.
- Following the submission period, applications will proceed to the review and selection stages.
Participation in the competition is free of charge, and all submissions must be completed before the stated deadline.
How to Apply
- Visit the submission page on the Picter platform.
- Create or log into an account.
- Upload a photography, video, or multimedia project according to the competition requirements.
- Complete the project and author information.
- Submit the application before the deadline.
Application link: https://site.picter.com/photovogue-brave-new-visions-global-open-call-2026
Evaluation Criteria
Within the open call, preference will be given to photographers and video makers from around the world whose work demonstrates a strong artistic perspective and meaningful engagement with contemporary realities through compelling visual storytelling.
Particular attention will be given to:
- the relevance of the work to present-day issues and conditions;
- the strength and distinctiveness of the visual language;
- originality and clarity of the creator’s vision;
- the ability of the work to communicate a clear position or message;
- a strong sense of purpose and necessity behind the creative practice.
The call welcomes submissions across a wide range of visual disciplines, including fashion, documentary, portraiture, fine art, and related fields. Projects that demonstrate a compelling point of view and a strong creative voice will be particularly valued during the evaluation process.
Required Documents
Within the open call, participants may submit projects in the following formats:
- A series of up to 15 images.
- For multimedia projects, a combination of images and video materials.
- A video trailer of up to 60 seconds in length.
Submitted materials should present the proposed creative project and comply with the submission format specified by the organisers of the competition.
Updates / Announcements
The organizer states that the international jury will be announced at a later stage, and additional opportunities and updates will be shared throughout the open call period.
Legal Terms
- Submitted works must belong to the applicant.
- AI-generated works are not eligible.
- Applications must comply with the competition and platform rules.