EMERGE 2026

EMERGE is the Midwest Center for Photography's annual fellowship for emerging photographers — a more concentrated track than the gallery's larger Ten x Ten exhibition. The program aims to give early-career photographers their first formal exhibition placement, with selection emphasizing work that demonstrates a distinct voice rather than technical polish alone.

Twenty photographers are selected for the group exhibition at MWCP's gallery in Wichita, Kansas, running September 4 through 21, 2026. One photographer additionally receives the $200 EMERGE Fellowship Award plus one year of online representation by MWCP, which functions as ongoing visibility for the work beyond the exhibition window.

Eligibility is open to emerging photographers worldwide working in any photographic medium — the program does not specify a fixed years-since-graduation cutoff but emphasizes early-career work.

Submissions require 5 to 14 images plus a brief artist statement. Entry fee is $50 for up to 5 images. Submissions are made by email through the MWCP entry page. The 2026 deadline is June 1.