Photographic Performance 2026

Photographic Performance is A Smith Gallery's annual call for sustained, conceptually-driven photographic projects — distinct from the gallery's themed open calls ("imagined", "abandoned", etc.), this call selects four artists for solo or cooperative exhibition rather than group thematic shows. The 2026 cycle is the sixth year of the program.

The call accepts photographic images, mixed media combinations, photography as sculpture, installations, and other formats where photography functions as the conceptual core. The selection criteria emphasize work with conceptual narrative — projects that operate as bodies of thought rather than collections of strong individual images.

Four selected artists each receive a month-long online exhibition (July, August, September, or October 2026), a consultation with gallery directors Amanda Smith and Kevin Tully, a Gallery Talk blog post, and an exhibition catalogue with director foreword and artist statement. Ten additional entries receive written reviews — feedback for non-selected applicants who reached the second-round consideration.

Selection is by Smith and Tully (gallery co-directors). Eligibility is open to professional and amateur photographers internationally. Previously exhibited work at A Smith Gallery is ineligible. AI-generated images are not currently accepted due to copyright concerns.

Entry fee is $75 per proposal (non-refundable). Submissions require 12 to 20 images per project (max 1800 pixels, JPEG, 72 ppi), an artist statement, and a bio. The 2026 deadline is May 18; results announced May 22.