Who can apply?
The project is aimed at photographers from Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Poland, Hungary, and Ukraine who explore the theme of “Water” through their lens in various contexts. The open call is not limited by the year the photographs were taken, so we invite all groups and generations of photographers to participate with their photo series related to the theme of Water. The open call is also open to students from the V4 countries and Ukraine.
Where and when will the results be presented?
An international jury will select 15 photographers from Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Poland, Hungary, and Ukraine in early summer 2025. These selected artists will have the opportunity to exhibit their photographic series during the SLOVAK PRESS PHOTO 2025 exhibition in the fall. Before the exhibition, they will take part in a two-day workshop and mentoring session, where they will work with a professional photographer to select the final photos for the show. These works will be introduced to the public during an artist talk, followed by the Water open call exhibition.
The final exhibition will travel across the region to reach a broad audience and will be accompanied by public discussions and educational events.
Who will be the jury?
International jury. (More information soon)
Information
The theme of water is presented in the context of one of the most essential resources for our lives. It includes various perspectives such as drinking water, the generation of electricity from water, the use of mineral, thermal, and healing springs, as well as ecological concerns and climate change. It also addresses floods and extreme weather events, the social dimensions of water, and its cultural and historical uses, etc.
Through the lens of documentary photographers and their visual storytelling—supported by powerful imagery—this project aims to advocate for the protection and sustainable management of water resources, improved access to clean water and sanitation, support for water-resilient agriculture, solutions to water pollution, and responses to climate change, floods, and droughts.
The project also seeks to emphasize that the Danube Lowland contains the largest reserves of drinking water, which need to be protected. Additionally, water is a clean source of energy, and the Danube represents a major waterway through the region. At the same time, water demonstrates its destructive power through floods—something we must prepare for. Climate change is already here, and we need new strategies and solutions to prevent the devastating consequences of both floods and the severe droughts that have recently affected the region.
Regional Relevance
The issue of water is highly relevant for all participating countries, as we share similar climatic and environmental challenges. Climate change, which affects drinking water sources and contributes to extreme weather, is a shared issue across borders. It cannot be addressed without considering its transboundary aspects. That’s why this project is designed to extend beyond Slovakia and reach the broader Central European region.
How to apply?
Please send the following information
via email to :
opencallwater@slovak-press-photo.sk
Required information:
1. Personal information:
First name
Last name
Date of birth
Nationality
Other nationality (if applicable)
2. Your address:
Street
City
ZIP code
Country
3. Contact information:
Phone number
Email
4. Additional information:
Professional photographer + name of employer
Student
Freelance photographer
5. Few words about you
6. Few words about the photo series
7. Year the photos were taken
8. Link to download the photos
Each photographer may submit a minimum of 9 and a maximum of 18 photographs per entry series. A maximum of 2 photographic series can be submitted.
Photos must be submitted in JPG format, with a minimum resolution of 3000 px on the longer side.
Use file-sharing services such as WeTransfer, Úschovňa, Filemail, or similar.