Filter Photo Submission Manager

2026 Call for Exhibition Proposals

Ends on $25.00

$25.00

Guidelines

All exhibition proposals should relate to photography, photographic materials, or lens-based artwork. However, this definition is purposefully open-ended—moving-image work, installations, and performances related to photography may all be included in proposals. Additionally, artists, curators, and collectives are all welcome to submit proposals. For example, a single artist could submit a proposal for a solo show, or a curator or collective could submit a proposal for a group show.

Proposal Materials

We recommend that you make use of our gallery floor plan when developing your proposal and include any layout plans in your proposal narrative. This is especially important for any proposals that include site-specific installations and multimedia elements. Please include any proposed corresponding programming, such as artist talks, performances, etc. Applicants must pay a submission fee of $25 and provide the following materials:

An artist or curatorial statement, describing the work to be exhibited and any corresponding programming (500 words max).
A brief bio and CV for all artists and/or curators included in the proposal.
Up to 15 sample images of artworks intended for exhibition. These should be in JPEG format and sized at 1000 pixels on the longest side. Title format should include last name, first initial, and image number (e.g. DoeJ_1.jpg). If possible, we also recommend including a small number of installation images or examples.
Links to videos and other multimedia content, no more than 5 minutes in length, if applicable

Stipend

In order to defray the costs associated with producing an exhibition, Filter Photo offers a stipend to accepted applicants. This amount is determined based on guidelines from Working Artists and the Greater Economy (W.A.G.E.). Despite having an annual budget of significantly less than their set baseline of $500,000, Filter Photo is currently able to meet W.A.G.E.'s base level stipends thanks to foundational support. Sample stipends amounts are listed below, and are subject to change based on Filter Photo’s operating budget:

Solo Exhibition: $1250
Two-Person Exhibition: $625/artist
Group Exhibition (3-5 Artists): $315/artist

Information for Accepted Applicants

Accepted applicants will be notified in August. You will then work with a Filter Photo staff member to determine the exhibition’s date, layout, and other details, which will all be confirmed via a contract.

The provided stipend is to be used at the artist's discretion, and is meant to offset production and shipping costs. Artists are responsible for all production costs, as well as the cost of shipping their work to and from the gallery for their exhibition.

Any revenue obtained from sales of artwork on display will be split between Filter Photo and the artist, with the artist receiving 70% and Filter Photo receiving 30% of the final sales price. This split will apply to works sold directly through Filter Photo.

If you have any questions or need assistance with submitting your application, please email info@filterphoto.org.

On the Shelf 2026

Ends on $25.00

$25.00

Submit

In conjunction with the 2026 Filter Photo Festival, Filter Photo is pleased to announce an open call for a photo book exhibition, juried by Nick Larsen of Radius Books

Theme

On the Shelf has an open theme and all photo-based book artists are welcome to apply. Eligible entries include all types of photo books, whether self-published, handmade, or commercially published. Books by or featuring the work of more than one artist are also eligible. Books must have been completed within the last three years.

Important Dates

Call Closes: July 15th, 2026 at 11:59 PM CT
Accepted artists will be notified by early August
Accepted books must arrive at Filter Space by September 1st, 2026
Exhibition Dates: September 4th – October 31st, 2026
2026 Filter Photo Festival Public Reception: Friday, September 25th, 5 – 8 PM CT

Preparation of your Submission Submit up to five images of a single photo book project. Include the cover and other pages or features that you would like to highlight. The images that you submit will be reviewed by the juror, and if your book is accepted for the exhibition, you will receive instructions for shipping your book. Do not ship your book unless you receive a notice of acceptance from Filter Photo.

Save your images in JPEG format, sized at 1000 pixels on the longest side.
Image files must be titled with the artist's last and first names, and the image number.
Example: Smith_Mary_1.jpg

Submission Fee

The cost to submit to On the Shelf is $25.00 for a single photo book project.

Shipping Your Photo Book

If accepted into the exhibition, artists are responsible for the cost of shipping books to and from Filter Space gallery. Books must arrive no later than September 1st. You must include a pre-paid return shipping label when you send your book if you would like the book returned to you. You can opt to donate the book to Filter Photo if you prefer. Donated books will become a part of Filter Photo's public photo book library.

On the Shelf 2026 (Fee Waived)

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