Sometimes the most compelling exhibitions come from calls that let photographers decide what deserves to be seen. Open Theme by Praxis Gallery 2025 takes this approach, offering a space where any lens-based work can find its place. With its combination of juried selection, physical exhibition, online gallery presence, and a printed catalog, the call stands out as a substantial opportunity for photographers working across diverse practices.
Organized by Praxis Gallery and Photographic Arts Center in Minneapolis, this open call centers on photography as a way to describe, question, and reimagine the world. Up to 74 images will be selected for exhibition at Praxis Gallery from February 21 to March 14, 2026, following the entry deadline of January 4, 2026. For photographers browsing a broad list of photography competitions on Deartline, this one stands out as a focused opportunity to place current work in front of an engaged photographic community.
With its mix of gallery exposure, publication in a printed catalog, and online visibility, Open Theme by Praxis Gallery is particularly relevant for photographers looking for international, juried exhibition opportunities that sit comfortably among other open theme photography contests.
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The Open Theme by Praxis Gallery Prizes
The primary reward for selected artists is the opportunity to exhibit their work in a professional gallery setting. Up to 74 images will be chosen for the show, providing significant visibility.
The specific awards include:
- Juror’s Choice: Featured in the exhibition, the printed show catalog, and the online gallery. The winner receives free entry into three future juried calls of their choice and a complimentary exhibit book.
- Director’s Choice: Featured in the exhibition, catalog, and online gallery. The winner receives free entry into two future juried calls.
- Honorable Mentions (8 Winners): Featured in the exhibition, catalog, and online gallery.
- Exhibition: All selected photographers will have their work displayed at Praxis Gallery from February 21 to March 14, 2026.
Related Photo Contests
The Categories of the Open Theme by Praxis Gallery
This competition operates as a true open theme photo contest. There are no restrictive sub-categories to pigeonhole your work. Instead, the organizers invite a broad spectrum of photographic intentions, allowing you to submit the work that best represents your current artistic state.
You might submit gritty documentary images that capture the raw truth of the world, or ethereal fine art entries that explore personal narratives. The call is equally open to landscape enthusiasts and those who excel in portraiture. Whether your work involves experimental techniques or the classic approach of street photography, if it is lens-based and compelling, it belongs here.
Open Theme by Praxis Gallery Dates and Entry Fees
The submission window closes just after the new year, making it a perfect opportunity to start 2026 with a potential exhibition. The timeline is efficient, with notifications sent out shortly after the deadline.
Key Dates:
| Entry Deadline | January 4, 2026 |
| Notice of Acceptance | January 16, 2026 |
| Exhibition Dates | February 21 – March 14, 2026 |
Entry Costs:
- Standard Fee: $35.00 for a set of 5 images.
- Additional Images: $5.00 for each extra image.
- Member Benefit: Praxis Members receive 10 images for the price of 5.
There are also a limited number of free entries available for artists experiencing financial hardship.
How to Enter:
Submissions are handled online through the Praxis Gallery website. Entrants must create an account and upload their images. The recommended format is JPEG. Since the theme is open, select the 5 images that best represent your unique vision or a cohesive body of work. Payment is accepted via credit or debit card through their secure portal.
About the Jury
The juror for this exhibition is Ann Jastrab. She is the Executive Director of the Center for Photographic Art (CPA) in Carmel, California. With a rich background as a gallery director, curator, and educator, Ann brings a wealth of experience to the selection process. Her eye for spotting talent has been honed over years of reviewing portfolios for major festivals and institutions, ensuring that the selected work will be of the highest artistic caliber.
Why Enter Open Theme by Praxis Gallery 2026?
Finding best photography challenges online that offer a physical exhibition in a reputable gallery is a priority for many artists. Praxis Gallery provides exactly that: a brick-and-mortar space in Minneapolis dedicated to the photographic arts. Unlike purely digital contests, being selected here means your work is printed, framed, and viewed by a real-world audience.
Moreover, the juror, Ann Jastrab, is a significant figure in the photography world. Having your work reviewed and selected by her adds a prestigious line to your CV. The inclusivity of the Open Theme by Praxis Gallery also means you don’t have to force your work into a category it doesn’t fit; you can simply present your best self.
Rules and Copyright
This section about the rules and image rights of the Open Theme by Praxis Gallery 2025 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:
Artists retain all copyrights to their own images. By submitting, you grant Praxis Gallery a non-exclusive right to use the images for the specific purpose of promoting the exhibition and the artist. This includes usage in the printed show catalog, on the gallery’s website, and across social media channels. The gallery ensures that the artist’s name and photo title are included wherever the work is displayed.
Eligibility:
The competition is international and open to all photographers, regardless of location or experience level. All lens-based artwork is welcome.
For more information and to participate in the contest, visit: the official website.
