Open Call: Vantage Point Sharjah 13

About the Open Call

Sharjah Art Foundation invites photographers from around the world to apply for the 13th edition of Vantage Point Sharjah (VPS), scheduled to take place in July 2026. Introduced in 2013 to cultivate public engagement with photography as an artistic medium, VPS has evolved from an exhibition of UAE images by local photographers to a global event encompassing all forms of lens-based art. Starting with this edition, VPS will be housed permanently in the Foundation’s new Photography Gallery, which offers 450 square metres of exhibition space supported by a range of facilities and resources. In line with these exciting changes, VPS is introducing an additional segment to its programme: production support for artists to create an original body of work. Four artists will be selected through this open call. They will be provided with a production fee of 40,000 AED, as well as a separate artist fee, to develop a photographic series that will be shown at VPS13. Each artist’s presentation for the exhibition may include some existing works, decided in conversation with the Curatorial team at the Foundation, but the focus is on new works. The programme welcomes artists working across all styles and approaches and encourages proposals that challenge the boundaries of photography today. VPS13 will take place in July 2026 at the Foundation’s new Photography Gallery in Sharjah.

What is Offered

Selected artists will receive an artist fee and up to 40,000 AED to develop the project. They will work closely with the Foundation’s Curatorial and Production teams throughout the development and exhibition process, have their work featured in a printed publication accompanying the exhibition, and receive an invitation to the exhibition opening.

Requirements

The application process is open to photographers globally. Works in all areas, genres and styles of photography are welcome. Applicants should have at least three bodies/series of existing photographic work to submit with their application. Required materials include a portfolio (PDF format, under 30 MB) showcasing at least three bodies/series of existing photographic work, a CV and bio (maximum 150 words), a proposal for new work including artist statement and reference images, and a budget breakdown for the production fee (40,000 AED). Optional materials include installation views, video links, exhibition statements, press clippings or reviews.

How to Apply

Please apply through the form provided [here](https://forms.sharjahart.org/VPS13). Only applications submitted through this link will be considered. The deadline for submission is 11:59 pm, UAE local time (GMT+4), on 31 October 2025. Submissions received after this time will not be accepted.