What is UnBound!?

UnBound! is typically the only open call held each year by Candela Photographic Arts in Richmond, Virginia. The exhibition is dedicated to featuring a wide range of photographic artworks, fine art photography, and artists’ books from 40-50 fine art photographers. UnBound! generates opportunities and exposure beyond the traditional group or juried show by providing a collection opportunity for artists. 

Our hope is that photographers will support our UnBound! exhibition with their active participation just as we hope to support their work and careers in return. All accepted artists will have their artwork featured at our gallery space in the downtown arts district in Richmond.

What does “juried + invitational” mean?

Though the majority of the works included in the UnBound! exhibition are selected from the jurying process, we also try to invite around five artists to participate each year. We look for notable artists who are farther along in their photographic careers or bring something unique or exciting to the show. This allows any emerging participating artists to share space with seasoned photographers, and makes for an even more exciting line item on an emerging CV.

Who juries the show?

The photographs are juried by Ashby Nickerson and Whitney Cole. Occasionally, we will allow current interns to sit in on the process as well!

What is the Candela Collection?

The mission of the Candela Collection is to support photographers through the purchase of original photographic work and to actively pursue opportunities to donate said works to notable permanent collections. The Candela Collection is designed to provide collection and sale opportunities for emerging and established artists. 

Each summer, Candela hosts a fundraising gala in tandem with the UnBound! exhibition. With the funds raised from this exhibition, the gallery is able to select pieces from UnBound! to add to the growing Candela Collection. 

Who can submit work?

We encourage anyone from hobbyists, teachers, and seasoned professionals to submit. As long as the work is photographic in origin, we welcome any perspective!

How much does it cost to submit?

Submissions for UnBound! are always free.

What sort of work should I submit?

While the show is photographic in essence, we encourage any interpretation of the photographic process or experience. UnBound! has seen the likes of digital prints, darkroom work, alternative processes, mixed media, and sculptural interpretations of photography. To take a look at what has gone into the permanent collection, click here. To see last year’s UnBound! works, click here.

How do I submit my work?

We use Google Forms for our submission platform. You can click here to submit.

I don’t have a Google account, so I’m unable to use the Google form to submit. What should I do?

If you’d prefer not to create a gmail account, you are welcome to use our application for non-gmail users.

CLICK HERE FOR NON-GMAIL APPLICATION

When is the submission deadline?

Submissions typically open in February and close around the second week of March. For specific deadlines, check back in when we’ve got a live submission.

I have work that’s photographic in nature, but there’s a unique component that I can’t submit via the form provided. What should I do?

We encourage you to submit your application like normal with thumbnails of your work at the very least. If there’s something exceptionally unique to your work, like a moving component or additional element that you’d like to express (that can’t be conveyed in still images alone), please reach out to unbound@candelaphotoarts.org with the subject line “Re: [Last Name, First Name] - UnBound15! Application” after you’ve submitted your application and attach a small video or PDF file supplemental material with a brief explanation of the work in the body of the email.

I am part of a duo or group looking to submit a collaborative project. Is that accepted?

We welcome collaborative projects. You may either fill in the submission under one name and include the collaborators’ information within the artist bio/statement fields, or you can list the last names and first names with commas (ex: Jones, Nguyen, Thompson; Barbara, Mark, Sheila). Feel free to email unbound@candelaphotoarts.org for additional questions about collaborative projects.

If I am accepted, how does shipping work?

Because we do not charge for the submission process, we ask that you cover the cost of shipment to and from the gallery. In the event that your work is sold, we will reimburse the cost of the return shipping. We ask that all participating artists include a prepaid return shipping label in the package with their shipped piece(s).

When do I need to have my work delivered to the gallery?

Allparticipating artists must have their signed and presentation-ready work delivered to Candela by Friday, June 19th, 2026

All participating artists must have their presentation-ready work delivered to the gallery upon sale of item(s).

Where do I ship my work?

All work should be shipped to:
Candela Photographic Arts
214 West Broad Street
Richmond, Virginia 23220
804.225.5527

What does it mean that my work has to be “presentation-ready?”

We expect all participating artists to ship their work in the condition it will be shown and potentially sold. If the work needs to be mounted, framed, or hung, all framing and hardware should be complete and ready to go on the wall upon arrival. All work should be signed, or include a signed certificate of authenticity, in the event your work is acquired for the Collection or sold to a collector.

Looking for assistance preparing your work? Accepted artists will receive support materials, and are more than welcome to reach out with any questions.

How much does the show cost for visitors?

The gallery is always free to visit during normal hours. If you are interested in a guided tour for students or large groups, please schedule a visit.

Where is Candela?

Candela Photographic Arts is located in the Arts District of Richmond, Virginia. Our address is 214 West Broad Street, Richmond, Virginia 23220.