
The Unpublished Photo 2025 (UP25) is an international photography contest designed to elevate undiscovered talent and celebrate innovative contemporary photography. Organized by the Fondazione Culture e Musei (FCM) of Lugano in collaboration with institutions like Milan’s 29 ARTS IN PROGRESS Gallery and Venice’s Istituto Veneto di Scienze, Lettere e Arti, this contest invites young photographers aged 18–30 to submit unpublished, never-exhibited projects for a chance to gain global recognition.
UP25 is unique in its focus on raw creativity: there is no theme, allowing participants to explore any subject or style. Entrants must submit a cohesive series of 10 images, accompanied by titles and brief descriptions. The contest is one of the free to enter photography competitions for emerging artists. Submissions open on January 20, 2025, and close on March 3, 2025, with winners announced by April 2025.
Prizes include cash awards totaling CHF 5,000 (approx. $5,500) and opportunities for exhibition at MUSEC-Lugano and publication in a professionally produced catalog. With its emphasis on originality and support for young creatives, UP25 stands out as one of the best photography contests and challenges for young photographers seeking exposure and career advancement.
The Unpublished Photo 2025 Prizes
The prizes for UP25 are structured to reward artistic innovation while providing tangible career benefits. The awards are highly coveted for their financial support and institutional backing, which can significantly boost a photographer’s visibility.
- 1st Prize: CHF 3,500 (approx. $3,800 USD)
- 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Prizes: CHF 500 each (approx. $545 USD)
In addition to cash prizes, all four winners receive:
- Exhibition at MUSEC-Lugano: Their work will be displayed in a curated show at this prestigious Swiss venue.
- Published Catalog: A bilingual (Italian/English) catalog featuring their submitted project, distributed by FCM.
- Inclusion in MUSEC Collections: Winning photographs are printed by FCM and added to the museum’s permanent archives.
These prizes offer not only financial rewards but also critical exposure in the art world, making UP25 a career-defining opportunity.
Dates and Registration Fees
- Submission Period: January 20, 2025 – March 3, 2025
- Winners Announced: By April 2025
One of UP25’s most appealing features is that it is free to enter, removing financial barriers for young photographers. Participants need only submit a digital portfolio meeting the contest’s technical requirements.
How to Enter Unpublished Photo 2025
- Eligibility: Open to photographers aged 18–30 (born between 1995–2007).
- Submission Requirements:
- A cohesive series of 10 unpublished images (never exhibited or published).
- Images must be submitted digitally: 96 dpi, max 2000 pixels on the longest side, sRGB color profile.
- Each file must be labeled with a sequence number and the photographer’s surname (e.g., 01_Smith.jpg).
- Brief descriptions and titles for each image.
- Technical Notes:
- Manipulated or experimental techniques are allowed but must be disclosed.
- AI-generated content is prohibited.
Entries are submitted via the official contest platform. Finalists must provide high-resolution TIFF/JPEG files (300 dpi, Adobe RGB 1998) for exhibition prints.
Why Enter Unpublished Photo 2025?
The Unpublished Photo 2025 (UP25) contest is a unique opportunity for emerging photographers to gain recognition, build their careers, and connect with the global art community. Here’s why you should enter:
- Showcase Unseen Work: UP25 focuses on unpublished, never-exhibited projects, giving your fresh, original work the spotlight it deserves.
- Total Creative Freedom: With no theme restrictions, you can submit work in any style or subject, from documentary to experimental.
- Career-Boosting Exposure: Winners exhibit at MUSEC-Lugano and are featured in a professionally produced catalog, offering invaluable exposure to galleries, curators, and collectors.
- Institutional Support: Winning works become part of the MUSEC collections, adding prestige to your portfolio.
- No Entry Fee: As one of the most accessible free to enter photography competitions, UP25 removes financial barriers, ensuring talent is the only requirement.
- International Recognition: With partnerships across Europe, UP25 offers a global platform to elevate your work and connect with the art world.
For photographers under 30, UP25 is a career-defining opportunity to gain visibility, credibility, and professional growth. Don’t miss your chance to turn your unpublished work into a milestone achievement.
For more information and to enter the competition, visit: the oficial website.