Vicinity 2026: What's Going On?

Perspective Gallery is a photography gallery at 1310-1/2B Chicago Avenue in Evanston, Illinois — a few blocks from Northwestern University. Vicinity is the gallery's annual juried exhibition, with the 2026 cycle the 9th edition. The 2026 theme echoes Marvin Gaye's 1971 album of the same title: "What's going on?" — inviting work that responds either through inner landscape or through broader human conditions, social, cultural, or environmental.

The 2026 cycle is juried by Jan Tichy, professor at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago in both the Photography and Art & Technology/Sound Practices departments. Tichy's own work is held in collections at MoMA and the Israel Museum.

Cash awards: Juror's Award of $200, 1st Runner-Up of $150, 2nd Runner-Up of $100. Selected work is exhibited at Perspective Gallery from July 2 through 26, 2026. Sales are split 60/40 with the artist retaining 60%.

Eligibility is restricted to photographers based in the Chicago area who can deliver framed work in person. Work previously shown at Perspective Gallery is ineligible. AI-generated images are not accepted. Entry fee is $35 for up to 5 images. The 2026 deadline is May 15; results June 1.