encontros da imagem - discovery awards 2024

The goal of this open call is to give participants the opportunity to see their work exhibited at a renowned international photo festival and, consequently, promote their visibility.

Encontros da Imagem, with more than thirty-five years of existence, is a non-profit cultural association that promotes annually an International Photography and Visual Arts Festival in the city of Braga, Portugal. The festival celebrates classic and contemporary photography and visual arts in general by showcasing emerging and established artists. Every year Encontros da Imagem promotes an open call for the Discovery Awards, where the winners have the opportunity to exhibit their work during the festival.

Encontros da Imagem also organizes another award - Emergentes - International Photography Award Encontros da Imagem, this prize is awarded after the Portfolio Review, which gives photographers the opportunity to show their work to an international jury, composed by commissioners, gallery owners and expert editors, thus establishing solid foundations for the promotion of their work. The festival has developed an eclectic programme.

This year the theme is Colonialism, where numerous artists emerging and established, national and international will be shown in several public and private spaces (historical and monumental buildings, museums, galleries and others). Encontros da Imagem is a cultural photographic reference in Portugal, and has reached a prominent position in the international panorama, being one of the oldest photography festivals in Europe.

For the 34th edition of the photo festival Encontros da Imagem, we would like to present different trends in contemporary photography. Highlight its democracy and richness in its different approaches. Therefore, all projects are welcome: from documentary typology works to others that explore the limits of photographic construction.

Encontros da Imagem returns to Braga this year between September 20th and November 3rd, with a new concept and an approach that looks forward while using the past as guidance. With exhibitions also in the cities of Porto, Guimarães, and Barcelos, we hope to democratize photography for its fruition and creation --- and to hear both the individual and collective experience.