Sharjah Art Foundation invites photographers from around the world to apply for the 13th edition of Vantage Point Sharjah (VPS), scheduled to take place in July 2026. Introduced in 2013 to cultivate public engagement with photography as an artistic medium, VPS has evolved from an exhibition of UAE images by local photographers to a global event encompassing all forms of lens-based art.

Starting with this edition, VPS will be housed permanently in the Foundation’s new Photography Gallery, which offers 450 square metres of exhibition space supported by a range of facilities and resources. In line with these exciting changes, VPS is introducing an additional segment to its programme: production support for artists to create an original body of work.

Four artists will be selected through this open call. They will be provided with a production fee of 40,000 AED, as well as a separate artist fee, to develop a photographic series that will be shown at VPS13. Their work will also be included in a Foundation publication. Each artist’s presentation for the exhibition may include some existing works, decided in conversation with the Curatorial team at the Foundation, but the focus is on new works.

The programme welcomes artists working across all styles and approaches and encourages proposals that challenge the boundaries of photography today.

How to apply

Please apply through the form provided here. Only applications submitted through this link will be considered.

The deadline for submission is 11:59 pm, UAE local time (GMT+4), on 31 October 2025. Submissions received after this time will not be accepted.

For any inquiries not addressed in the FAQ section below, please contact photo@sharjahart.org

What are the criteria for applicants?

• The application process is open to photographers globally.
• Works in all areas, genres and styles of photography are welcome.
• Applicants should have at least three bodies/series of existing photographic work to submit with their application.

What materials do I need to submit?

Applicants are required to submit a portfolio (PDF format, under 30 MB) that showcases at least three bodies/series of existing photographic work. In addition, each portfolio must include the following:

• CV and bio (maximum 150 words)
• Proposal for new work, including artist statement and reference images
• Budget breakdown for the production fee (40,000 AED)
• Optional materials such as installation views, video links, exhibition statements, press clippings or reviews

How many artists will be selected, and what is the process?

A total of four artists will be selected by the Foundation. Deliberations will be based exclusively on the quality and potential of the submitted materials. Applications that do not meet the submission criteria will not be considered.
When examining entries, the Foundation will consider the following questions:

• Are the images formally or conceptually compelling?
• What presentation methods and material choices are employed, and how do they serve the work?
• Does the artist’s approach offer something distinctive, critical or exploratory?

What will the selected artists receive?

In addition to being chosen to participate in Vantage Point Sharjah 13, the selected artists will:

• Receive an artist fee and up to 40,000 AED to develop the project
• Work closely with the Foundation’s Curatorial and Production teams throughout the development and exhibition process
• Have their work featured in a printed publication accompanying the exhibition
• Receive an invitation to the exhibition opening

Which works will be shown in the exhibition?

The exhibition will centre on new commissions supported by the Foundation.

While works submitted in the portfolio may inform the development of an original project, the final exhibition will prioritise ideas not previously developed.

When and where will the exhibition take place?

VPS13 will take place in July 2026 at the Foundation’s new Photography Gallery in Sharjah.

sharjahart.org