Queer Quintessential 2026

Queer Quintessential is Der Greif's Pride Month 2026 open call, initiated by the platform's queer Program Curator Francesca Hummler. The brief invites LGBTQIA+ lens-based artists to explore queer life, identity, intimacy, and forms of community through photography and image-based practices.

The call welcomes work engaging with self-representation, chosen family, visibility, and the relationship between public and private space. Submissions are evaluated on artistic quality, conceptual clarity, openness to dialogue and process, and engagement with themes of identity and community.

Selected artists are featured in an online exhibition on Der Greif's homepage and invited to join small-group Face-to-Face critique sessions — direct conversation rather than written feedback. Selection also brings visibility within Der Greif's international community and possibilities for future collaboration through Der Greif Studio.

Submission is through Picter. The fee is voluntary (Pay-What-You-Can) with a 10€ suggested donation; financial-assistance vouchers for 50% or 100% discount are available by emailing voucher-special-2@dergreif.org. Eligibility is open globally to LGBTQIA+ lens-based artists. The deadline is June 15, 2026 at 11:59 PM CET.