Open Call: Reinventing Photography by Hangar
As part of the bicentenary celebration (September 2026 to September 2027) of le Point de vue du gras*, considered the first photographic image in world history, the Centre national des arts plastiques (CNAP) in France has commissioned 15 photographers, focusing on the invention of photography and the relevance of its possible reinvention today. The projects are created using all the techniques that currently allow artists to produce photographic images in innovative forms. Hangar, one of the certified venues of the bicentenary celebration, will host the exhibition of the 15 projects from this commission in September 2026 on the theme “Reinventing Photography”. To complement this exhibition, Hangar has decided to launch a call for applications open to Belgian artists photographers and/or artists photographers residing in Belgium.
This call invites artists photographers to explore the same theme: 200 years later, how can photography be reinvented? Is photography a medium that reinvents itself? How do photographic artists, through their practice, keep contemporary photography alive? The call for applications will constitute the Belgian part of the exhibition.
*September 2026 to September 2027: Bicentenary celebration in France and around the world. Events will be selected and officially recognized by the French Ministry of Culture for their artistic, scientific, or cultural significance in relation to the history and evolution of photography.
The jury will focus on the photographers’ ability to reflect on their medium, even to the point of reinventing their practice at times.
Artists are encouraged to explore:
- All facets of contemporary photographic creation
- The creation of images, both material and immaterial, using all techniques, from the most traditional to the most innovative
Conditions for participation
- being over the age of majority (18+)
- being a Belgian artist photographer and/or artists photographers residing in Belgium
- should demonstrate at least ONE of these two possibilities:
– have a track record of professional practice as an artist (exhibitions, publications)
– have an art school degree
This call is open ONLY for original and unpublished projects / The works must be conceived, created, and produced specifically for this commission and presented for the first time at Hangar.
Benefits
- Laureates will be part of the collective exhibition at Hangar from September 17 to December 20, 2026, co-curated by CNAP and Hangar.
- Support for the production costs of the exhibition’s works.
- Cash prize of 4000€ for each of 5 laureates.
Jury
An experienced jury composed of 9 photography experts will select 5 projects from all submissions
