The Singapore International Photography Festival (SIPF) is an international platform which aims to promote the arts and the appreciation of photography arts, as well as critical thought and academic discourse on photography in Southeast Asia. First launched in 2008, SIPF is now one of the major photography platforms held in Southeast Asia. In each biennale edition, SIPF hosts some of the biggest names in photography, uncovers new talents, and promotes an understanding of the world and society through creative photographic expression.
SIPF's Open Call remains a cornerstone festival programme that runs independent of the festival theme. It aims to discover fresh works in the field of image-making and photography from the international arts community. Shortlisted Open Call submissions will be presented in the SIPF Open Call Showcase in the 10th biennale edition of SIPF in Singapore, from mid-October to end-November 2026.
There are two Open Call categories. The Portfolio category is an Open Call for photography and image-based body of works. The Photobook category is an Open Call for both published and dummy photobooks. Applicants must ensure that all submitted photobooks, including dummy books, are fully realised in physical form and available for submission by the stipulated deadlines. Submissions that are incomplete or not production-ready will not be accepted.”
The SIPF Open Call Award is given in recognition of the artistic excellence and originality displayed in shortlisted Open Call submissions. It aims to support and encourage artists in their image-making practice, with cash prizes disbursed to the creators of the submitted works.