La Embajada 2026

La Embajada is a programme promoting contemporary Spanish photography within the European circuit. Its annual exhibition runs during the opening week of Rencontres d'Arles — the major French photography festival — placing Spanish photographers in front of the international curators, editors, and gallerists who travel to Arles each July. The 2026 edition is the third cycle.

The format is project-based: six projects are selected, each artist receiving a €1,400 fee plus inclusion in the exhibition during the festival's opening week (July 6–13, 2026). Selected artists are also expected to participate in active mediation with audiences during the week — talking visitors through their work.

The premise is the temporary 'embassy' — a Spanish photography presence at the epicentre of world photography for the duration of the opening week.

The 2026 jury reflects the international-positioning intent: Christoph Wiesner (Director, Les Rencontres d'Arles), Elisa Medde (Director, Foto Colectania Foundation), Kim Boske (FUTURES Residencies), Mathieu Asselin (Co-Founder, doubledummy), and Shinji Nagabe (visual artist).

Eligibility is restricted to Spanish photographers 18+. Work must be produced and exhibition-ready. Physical presence in Arles during opening week is mandatory.

Organised by El Local (Madrid-based independent contemporary photography space) in partnership with Plataforma Fotografía e Imagen, with support from Spain's Ministry of Culture. Submission is via digital form, one project per applicant. Application is free. The 2026 deadline was April 19.