Paradajs Photo Fest 2026 — Welcome to Paradise

Paradajs Photo Festival is held in Banská Štiavnica, the historic Slovak mining town and UNESCO World Heritage site. The 2026 open call is themed Welcome to Paradise — an exploration of paradise in original, unconventional ways. Both single photographs and series are accepted.

The Grand Prix structure is unusually layered: €2,000 cash, a one-month residency in Banská Štiavnica in fall 2026, production support, and a solo exhibition in 2027 — the prize spreads across multiple stages of work development.

Beyond the Grand Prix, 10 finalists are shown in a group exhibition during the festival.

Selection is by Jano Viazo (CEO, Paradajs Photo), Zuzana Pustaiová (photographer and editor), Branislav Štěpánek (curator), and Vanda Mesiariková (photographer).

Eligibility is open globally. Submission is by Google Form with up to 10 images. Fee is tiered €10–€15. The 2026 deadline was March 29; results announced approximately April 19, 2026.