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Street Photography Barcelona Contest 2026 (SPBC 2026) puts the street at center stage with a clear promise: real moments, exhibited in Barcelona and screened in Ibiza. Entries close on April 15, 2026, and 25 finalists will see their work printed, framed, and displayed for six days at Galerie Art Nomade. Cash awards include €500 for the overall winner and €250 for each category winner, while finalists also benefit from festival programming that includes screenings and public talks. If you’re mapping out the best photography competitions to enter, this guide covers everything needed to decide quickly.
SPBC 2026 focuses on street photography taken in public or social spaces, captured with authenticity and natural light. The contest runs across three geographic categories: Local (Barcelona residents, shot in Barcelona), National (Spanish nationals outside Barcelona), and International, so photographers anywhere can participate. Expect practical benefits beyond recognition: printing, framing, and installation are covered for finalists; selected works may be screened in Ibiza, and category winners are invited to speak at the opening. For those comparing street photography contests this season, Street Photography Barcelona Contest 2026 stands out for its exhibition-first approach and clear, photographer-friendly logistics.
The Street Photography Barcelona Contest 2026 Prizes
The prize package for the SPBC 2026 is designed to offer significant recognition, financial reward, and unparalleled exhibition opportunities.
- Overall Winner: From the three category winners, one photographer will be selected as the overall winner and will receive a €500 cash prize. This winner will also be invited to present their work in Ibiza, with travel support provided by the organizers.
- Category Winners: The winner of each of the three categories (Local, National, and International) will receive a €250 cash prize. They will also have their work showcased in a prominent spot at the Galerie Art Nomade and will participate in a public Talk during the official opening of the exhibition.
- All Finalists: All selected finalists will be part of a six-day group exhibition in Barcelona. The festival covers all production costs, including printing, framing, and installation. Additionally, all finalist works will be featured in special screenings in Ibiza.
Related Photo Contests
The Categories of the Street Photography Barcelona Contest 2026
Instead of traditional genres, the Street Photography Barcelona Contest 2026 features a truly unique structure with three geographic categories designed to foster and celebrate different photographic communities.
- Local: Open to photographers of any nationality who currently reside in Barcelona. The submitted photographs must be taken within the city of Barcelona.
- National: Open to Spanish nationals who live outside of Barcelona. The submitted photographs can be taken anywhere in the world.
- International: Open to all photographers worldwide, of any nationality, living outside of Spain. The submitted photographs can be taken anywhere in the world.
While the categories are geographic, the artistic focus is singular. The contest seeks candid and authentic street photography created in public or social spaces, with an emphasis on the use of natural light. The common thread is the power of the unposed moment and the art of observing everyday life.
Street Photography Barcelona Contest 2026 Dates and Entry Fees
- Submission window: September 15, 2025 to April 15, 2026
- Finalists announced: May 1, 2026
- Awarded artists announced: May 7, 2026
- Exhibition: May 15–20, 2026 (Galerie Art Nomade, Barcelona)
Entry fees:
- €10 (1 image)
- €25 (3 images)
- €40 (5 images)
How to Enter:
Prepare 1, 3, or 5 JPG files within the size limits, ensure they meet the street brief (public/social spaces, natural light), and submit via the organizer’s designated platform. Submissions are judged individually, so select your strongest stand-alone frames.
About the Jury
The selection is led by Festival Director Xavi Herrero together with Galerie Art Nomade’s owner and curator, Olivier Verdier. A third jury member will be announced in April 2026. These reviewers handle the shortlist of finalists and decide the category awards and overall winner.
Why Enter Street Photography Barcelona Contest 2026?
Because the outcomes are concrete: a real-world exhibition in Barcelona with production covered, scheduled screenings in Ibiza within a film-festival context, cash awards, and a public platform through talks and programming. The brief is focused and contemporary: authentic moments, made in public space, with natural light, making it ideal for photographers who build strong single images. If you’re exploring more photography contests to round out your calendar, this one pairs visibility with practical support at key moments of the season.
Rules and Copyright
This section about the rules and image rights of the Street Photography Barcelona Contest 2026 has been generated automatically. If you are interested in participating in this contest we suggest you review the complete rules provided by the contest.
Rules
Eligibility is 18+. Color and black-and-white are accepted. Images must be street photographs captured in public or social spaces, using natural light. Journalistic photos and portraits using non-natural light are not accepted. AI-generated works and digital manipulations that alter originality are not allowed. Photos can be taken anywhere, but must be recent (maximum age of two years). Technical specs: JPG, up to 10 MB per file; if selected, provide a file suitable for prints up to 70 cm on the long edge.
Copyright and Image Usage
Authors retain copyright at all times. The organization may use selected images only for promotion of the contest and exhibition, always crediting the author, on its website (with download protection) and Instagram. Sales, if any, are handled directly by the author; all proceeds remain with the photographer.
For more information and to participate in the contest, visit: the official website.
