FOTOGRAFICA NEXT
FOTOGRAFICA is thrilled to announce the first edition of the FOTOGRAFICA NEXT Open Call, dedicated to young photographers and artists aged between 18 and 30.
FOTOGRAFICA NEXT was created to amplify the voices of those discovering their own visual language and seeking to portray the present with fresh eyes, bringing questions, ideas, and visions to the forefront. It’s an invitation to reflect on the future through the perspectives of a new generation of talent.
The call awards projects in two distinct categories: traditional photography and works created with generative artificial intelligence.
The theme for 2025 is As Brave As We Can. If you’re a photographer under 30, discover exclusive prizes, including the opportunity to exhibit during the festival.
Submit your application!
The project is organized in collaboration with and supported by
Fondazione Alfaparf, the nonprofit foundation of Alfaparf Milano Group.
PHOTOGRAPHY &
AI PHOTOGRAPHY
opening
04.06 2025
deadline
27.08 2025
AS BRAVE AS WE CAN
Courage isn’t something you’re born with.
It’s something you grow into.
It’s a journey made of choices, stumbles, doubts and dreams that keep you moving forward.
As Brave As We Can is an invitation to explore what it really means to be strong.
Even when it doesn’t show. Even when it feels scary.
The courage to speak your truth.To change direction, to ask for help.
To begin something, even if you don’t know where it will take you.
Sometimes it’s in the small things: in families, with friends, at school, or at work.
Other times, it’s in choices that change everything.
We move through expectations, endless scrolling, dreams to defend, rising technological revolutions.
But what does it truly mean to face a future that’s still unwritten?
CATEGORIES
The first edition of FOTOGRAFICA NEXT introduces two categories, each with its own dedicated jury. One prize honors those who depict the world through the power of classical photography; the other celebrates those exploring new visual landscapes using generative artificial intelligence. Two different paths, one shared vision: giving voice to the present.
PHOTOGRAPHY
Photo projects consisting of a minimum of 10 and a maximum of 15 images. Both analog and digital photographs are accepted, and projects may include reproductions. Image retouching is allowed, as long as it does not substantially alter or distort the represented
reality.
AI PHOTOGRAPHY
Projects consisting of a minimum of 3 and a maximum of 10 images. Images created wholly or partly using generative artificial intelligence during the production stage of the project are eligible. Projects utilizing AI solely for ideation or post-production will not be accepted.
PRIZES
The winner of each category will receive a prize of €3,000, a personal exhibition at the fifth edition of FOTOGRAFICA (October 11 – November 9, 2025), and the opportunity for a free portfolio review conducted by a jury of industry professionals during the festival.
The 10 finalists (5 per category) will participate in a collective video projection at FOTOGRAFICA and will also be granted access to complimentary portfolio reviews.
HOW TO PARTICIPATE
Participation in the Open Call is free and open to photographers and artists of all nationalities and geographical locations. Applications must be submitted through the Picter platform.
For more information, contact Sara Guerrini opencall@fotograficafestival.com