OPEN CALL: UnBound16!
Candela’s sixteenth annual juried and invitational photography open call
SUBMISSIONS OPEN Tuesday, January 5th
SUBMISSIONS CLOSE Friday, February 12th @11:59PM EST
ACCEPTED ARTISTS / ALL ARTISTS NOTIFIED Thursday, March 4th / Friday, March 5th
Candela Photographic Arts is excited to announce the open call of our sixteenth annual summer open call, UnBound16!. The resulting group show featuring the work of 50+ juried and invited artists from across the contemporary photographic landscape.
The 2027 exhibition will be on view from Friday, June 4th through Saturday, July 31st, 2027 at our gallery at 214 W Broad St in Richmond, VA. Featured works will also be viewable and available for purchase on our website throughout the run of the exhibition.
UnBound! remains our only recurring open call exhibition and reflects our ongoing commitment to supporting artists at various stages of their careers. There is no theme; however, the exhibition is dedicated to featuring a wide range of photographic artworks and artist books that represent what photography looks like in the moment. The exhibition takes an additional step by providing collection and funding opportunities to select artists.
The mission of the Candela Collection is to support UnBound! artists through the acquisition of works from the exhibition while furthering Candela Photographic Arts’ broader commitment to supporting artists and advocating for contemporary photographic practices. The collection currently includes 162 photographic artworks and artist books, representing a growing archive of contemporary photographic practices and approaches to the medium that have shaped UnBound! over the years. In addition to collection acquisitions, 1-2 participating artists will receive an honorarium for a solo exhibition feature during Candela's 2028 exhibition calendar.
IMPORTANT DATES
• Submissions Open: January 5, 2027
• Submissions Deadline: February 12, 2027, 11:59 PM EST
• Accepted Applicants Notified: March 4, 2027
• Artist Delivery Deadline: May 18, 2027
• Show Opening: June 4, 2027
• Final Day & CANDELAFEST Fundraising Event: July 31, 2027
QUESTIONS: admin@candelaphotoarts.org