The Colour 2026 by The Glasgow Gallery of Photography exhibition invites photographers to explore the full spectrum of this language. From the vibrant hues of a festival to the subtle pastels of a sunrise, this open call seeks images where color is not just an element but the protagonist of the frame.
This opportunity is particularly compelling, The Glasgow Gallery of Photography is dedicated to displaying work in a physical space, moving images from the digital screen to the gallery wall. Whether you specialize in vivid street scenes, lush landscape shots, or bold abstract compositions, this exhibition provides a platform to have your work seen by an international audience in one of the UK’s most culturally vibrant cities.
The submission window is currently open, with a deadline set for January 30, 2026. This is a call to all photographers, professionals and amateurs, to submit work that celebrates the power of color. With free entry for the initial submission and a fee only upon selection, it is a risk-free opportunity to test your best chromatic work.
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The Colour 2026 by The Glasgow Gallery of Photography Prizes
The primary reward for this competition is the opportunity for a physical exhibition. The Glasgow Gallery of Photography is committed to printing and displaying the selected works in their gallery space.
Selected Photographers:
Photographers whose work is chosen by the curators will have their images printed and exhibited in the gallery. The exhibition is scheduled to run from May 6th to May 31st, 2026. The gallery handles the printing, installation, and un-installation of the work.
Digital Feature and Catalogue:
In addition to the physical show, selected works will appear in an online gallery on the website and will be included in an exhibition catalogue. All selected participants will receive a digital certificate of participation and a chance to be named “Photographer of the Month.”
Other Free Contests
Categories or Themes
This exhibition operates under a single, broad theme: Colour. There are no restrictive sub-categories, allowing for a wide range of interpretations. The organizers are looking for work that uses the capture of color to its advantage to make the photographs “pop.”
Colour 2026 Dates and Entry Fees
The Colour 2026 by The Glasgow Gallery of Photography competition follows a straightforward timeline. It is important to note the fee structure, which encourages participation by only charging those who are successfully selected for the exhibition.
- Submission Deadline: January 30, 2026.
- Acceptance Notification: February 4, 2026.
- Payment Deadline (if selected): February 18, 2026.
- Exhibition Dates: May 6 – 31, 2026.
Entry Fees:
Submission is FREE. You can submit up to 8 images at no cost to be considered by the jury.
Participation Fee:
If your work is selected for the exhibition, there is a participation fee of £48. This fee covers the cost of printing, installing, and managing the exhibition. A discount is available if you are selected for both exhibitions in the same month.
How to Enter
Submissions are not uploaded directly through a form but sent via file transfer services. Follow these steps carefully:
- Choose up to 8 images. Files must be JPEG, 300ppi, and a minimum of 3000 Pixels on the shortest side.
- Name your files with your name in this format:
Firstname-Surname(e.g., John-Smith1, John-Smith2). Do not include titles in the filename. - Send your files using a free service like WeTransfer, Smash, SwissTransfer, or Dropbox to the email address.
- In the message, include your Name, Nationality, and Location, and specify the exhibition you are submitting to (e.g., “Colour”).
About the Jury
The selection is conducted by the curatorial team at The Glasgow Gallery of Photography. They are looking for work from both emerging and established photographers, emphasizing that you do not need to be a professional to participate. Their goal is to curate a cohesive and visually stimulating show that represents a diverse range of styles and perspectives.
Why Enter Colour 2026?
This open call is one of the best photography challenges online for those who value physical exhibition over virtual likes. The “free to enter, pay if selected” model is fair and artist-friendly, removing the financial risk from the submission process. Having your work exhibited in a known gallery in Glasgow adds a legitimate line to your CV and connects you with the vibrant Scottish art scene.
Furthermore, the gallery handles the logistics of printing and hanging (frames belong to the gallery), which is a significant benefit for international photographers who would otherwise face high shipping costs. Photographers can even arrange to collect their prints after the exhibition concludes.
Rules and Copyright
This section about the rules and image rights of the Colour 2026 by The Glasgow Gallery of Photography has been generated automatically. If you are interested in participating in this contest we suggest you review the complete rules provided by the contest.
Copyright and Usage Rights
Photographers retain full copyright of their images at all times. By submitting, you grant The Glasgow Gallery of Photography a non-exclusive license to use the selected images for the purpose of promoting the exhibition, the artist, and the gallery. This includes usage on the gallery’s website, social media, and marketing materials.
General Rules
The call is open to everyone, from professionals to amateurs, and is international in scope. Both Scottish and International photographers are welcome. Images must be JPEGs and meet the resolution requirements (300ppi, 3000px shortest side). If files are not named correctly, they may be lost. If selected, the participation fee must be paid by the deadline to secure your spot.
For more information and to participate in the contest, visit: the official website.
