open programme
Rob Judges’ Faith at the Hamlin Gallery as part of Photo Oxford 2025. Photo: Rob Judges
Photo Oxford’s main programme includes invited artists chosen by the Director and board of trustees. This year we are formalising our process for Open Programme exhibitions in order to make this process as transparent and professional as possible.
As a festival dedicated exclusively to serious, high-calibre photography, our Open Programme provides a platform for contemporary local image-makers to present rigorous, conceptually driven work to an engaged, discerning audience.
To elevate our presentation and expand our audience reach, Photo Oxford is transitioning to a paid submission model this year. These entry fees reflect the costs of marketing, printing, and promotional infrastructure associated with Open Programme shows. This collective investment ensures your work receives the professional visibility it deserves, setting our showcase apart as a premier destination for serious photography.
ARE YOU INTERESTED IN EXHIBITING AS PART OF PHOTO OXFORD 2027?
Marko Dutka, Daphne-Titian
FESTIVAL THEME & DATES
The theme of Photo Oxford 2027 is Time. All exhibitions should reflect the festival theme in some way.
The festival will run from mid-October to early-November, 2027.
VENUES & EXHIBITION SPACES
You are responsible for finding and managing your own venue or space. Photo Oxford does not have the capacity to find exhibition space for you or to contribute towards any rental fees that may apply.
EVENTS & PROGRAMMING
We encourage exhibitors to run events that help audiences connect more deeply with the work on display such as meet-the-artist, workshops or talks. Exhibitors can list their Open Programme events on the festival website and in the printed guide helping you reach new audiences and extend the life of your exhibition.
HOW TO GET INVOLVED
Carolyn Quartermaine, Chateau Staircase 2018
Every accepted Open Programme exhibition receives a comprehensive promotional package funded entirely by the participation fees.
Association with one of the UK’s leading photography exhibitions: Photo Oxford 2025 attracted over 165,000 visitors. Your show will stand alongside our invited exhibitors and high-profile international artists in our festival guide, website and online promotions.
Official Festival Guide Entry: A dedicated feature block including an exhibition image and text description, plus a venue locator on our map, in our widely distributed printed and digital program guide.
Targeted Social Media Campaign: Individualised artist spotlights across our official social channels, putting your work directly in front of collectors, curators, and photography enthusiasts.
Printed Promotional Materials: Professionally printed festival posters.
Web & Digital Directory Listing: A dedicated exhibition page on our official festival website, including links to your personal portfolio and contact information.
Festival Branding Pack: Digital assets, logos, and physical signage templates to formally align your exhibition venue with the main festival identity.
HOW TO APPLY
To maintain the high standards of the festival, all applications will undergo a formal review process before being accepted. Please note the Photo Oxford Open Programme is only open to residents of Oxfordshire. Please apply by submitting your details on the application form here.
FEES & DEADLINE
Exhibition Fees for accepted submissions.
Solo Show: £100
Group show: £200
This flat fee directly funds tangible marketing assets for your specific show.
Submission Deadline: All applications must be received before the end of May 2027
Artist Notification: This is a rolling application and we aim to reply to you within 28 days.
If you have any questions, please contact Katy Barron, Director on info@photooxford.org