See your vision on the gallery wall. Welcome to Deartline’s dedicated guide to photography contests with exhibition prizes. For many photographers, having work professionally printed, framed, and displayed for a live audience is the ultimate goal. This page highlights photo competitions with gallery exhibitions and awards that offer exhibition opportunities as a key part of their prize package. From prestigious solo shows to curated group exhibitions at international festivals, these contests can transform your career. Explore the opportunities to move your work from the screen to the gallery space.
We’ve focused on contests that offer physical exhibitions, but we’ve also can included a few that—despite offering only virtual exposure—stand out for other reasons and deserve a place on the list.
List of photography Competitions with Exhibition Opportunities
Below is your up-to-date calendar of photo awards offering exhibition opportunities around the world. We feature contests across all genres that can get your work seen by curators, collectors, and a new public audience. Discover calls for entry for solo shows, group exhibitions, and features in major photo festivals.
Know of a contest with a great exhibition prize? Help other artists get seen and send it to us!
September 2025
October 2025
Why Focus on Contests with Exhibition Prizes? The Power of the Print
Winning an exhibition is a career-defining moment. It offers unique benefits that go far beyond an online feature:
Unparalleled Credibility & Prestige: A solo or group exhibition in a respected gallery or festival is a major milestone. It adds immense weight to your artistic CV and establishes you as a serious, exhibiting artist.
Connect with the Art World: Exhibitions put your work directly in front of a critical audience of curators, gallery owners, art buyers, collectors, and critics. These are connections that can lead to future shows, representation, and print sales.
See Your Work Realized: There is a unique power in seeing your photograph as a physical object. The exhibition process forces you to consider printing, framing, and presentation, deepening your understanding of your work as a finished piece of art.
Generate Press & Media Coverage: Gallery exhibitions often generate reviews and features in art and photography publications, significantly amplifying your reach and public profile.
The Experience of Opening Night: Engaging with an audience in person, discussing your work, and celebrating its public debut is an invaluable and motivating experience.
Solo vs. Group vs. Online Exhibitions: What to Expect
Exhibition photography awards can offer different types of shows:
Solo Exhibition: The most prestigious prize. This gives you an entire gallery space to showcase a full body of your work. It’s a major career achievement.
Group Exhibition: The most common prize. Your work will be displayed alongside other winning or selected photographers. It’s a fantastic way to gain exposure and be seen in the context of other contemporary artists.
Online Exhibition: A digital showcase of winning works. While it lacks the physical presence, a well-promoted online exhibition can reach a huge international audience and remains a valuable addition to your CV.
From Your Portfolio to the Gallery Wall: Find Your Exhibition Contest
It’s time to take your photography from the digital realm into the physical world. Photography contests with exhibition prizes are your gateway to the art and gallery circuit, offering a direct path to getting your work seen and recognized.
Use Deartline to discover photo competitions that lead to gallery shows and festivals worldwide. Prepare your best series, refine your artist statement, and take the step toward becoming an exhibiting artist.
Explore our comprehensive photo contests calendar and find the opportunity to see your work on display!