Apply for photo exhibition - Minimal & Abstract

Stage Gallery Zürich excited to announce an open call for photographers around the world to submit their work on the theme "Minimal & Abstract."

This time, we’re looking for images that explore the power of simplicity and the beauty of abstraction. Clean lines, simple textures, geometric shapes, negative space, unexpected perspectives - your way to show how you transform the ordinary into something visually striking.

If your work plays with form, light, color, or meaning in a minimal or abstract way, we can’t wait to discover your vision.

All submitted works will be showcased in A3+ format on the walls of the Stage Gallery.

At the end of the exhibition, our jury will announce the winners of the top three prizes.

💸Submission fee: 120 CHF per 4 works. However, you are welcome to submit any number of photos, as there is no limit per participant.

📍Location: Stage Gallery, Cramerstrasse 16, 8004 Zürich

🧭 Theme: Minimal & Abstract

🗓️ Dates of exhibition: December 18-28, 2025
📅 Submission deadline: December 17
📂 Who can apply: Open to all photographers, emerging and established.

Feel free to ask any questions in the comments and PM, we will be happy to provide you with any information regarding our exhibition, competition and awards.

The Benefits of Participation:

Participating in our collective exhibitions and open calls opens a world of possibilities for photographers.

Art Sales: Exhibit your photographic creations both offline and online, enabling art enthusiasts to purchase and appreciate your visual narratives.

Photographer Promotion: We actively promote your personal brand as a photographer through our extensive communication channels, connecting you with a wider audience. Each participant will be equally promoted on the social networks of Stage Gallery Zürich. All photo and video materials obtained during the event will be available to exhibition participants.

Collaboration Opportunities: Our exhibitions often create the opportunity to collaborate with talented international artists, exchanging ideas and experiences.

Terms and Conditions of Participation:

Eligibility

- Open to amateur and professional photographers over 18 years of age.
- Employees of the Stage gallery, associated companies, and sponsors cannot enter.
- AI generated images are not eligible.

Usage Rights

- Images may be used by Stage Gallery and media partners for marketing and promotion.

- Copyright remains with the photographer.
- Images will not be resold or used by third parties without photographer’s permission.
- Within sales, Stage Gallery will take payment from the buyer of the artwork and, once payment is received, will pay the artist minus 40% commission on total sales price. Gallery will receive 40% commission of the retail price, with 60% going to the artist.
- Stage gallery reserves the right to reject applications of work that are considered unsuitable for exhibition, be it cruel, explicit or antagonizing, at our discretion.

Submission Rules

- Uploading of any number of photos from one participant is allowed, the fee for each upload of 4 photos is 120 CHF. if you upload less than 4 photos, the fee of 120 CHF doesn't change.
- Images can be from any date.
- Images must be original, sole copyright of the entrant, and not infringe on others' rights.
- Permissions must be obtained for identifiable people in images.
- Photo works will be printed in 29,7 cm x 42 cm format.

Image Quality Requirements

- Jpeg files.
- 300 DPI.
- Minimum 1500 pixels on the short side.
- Filename format: LastName_FirstName_Title.

Judging Criteria

All entries will be judged by a panel of qualified judges (the "Jury") based on the following criteria:
- Creativity and originality
- Composition and technical execution
- Relevance to the theme of the Contest
- Overall impact
The Jury's decisions are final, and no correspondence will be entered into regarding the selection of winners.

Prizes

The following prizes will be awarded to the winners of the Contest:
1st prize - 3-day exhibition at Stage Gallery.
2nd prize - CHF 200
3rd prize - Certificate for free participation at next 2 open calls.
- Additional prizes may be offered at the discretion of the Organizer.
Prizes are non-transferable and cannot be exchanged for cash or other alternatives.

Publication and Publicity

- Gallery actively promote personal brand of all participants as a photographers through communication channels.
- Each participant will be equally promoted on the social networks of Stage Gallery Zürich.
- Participants' names and images will be published online.
- Participation in related publicity and use of names and images for promotion required without additional compensation.
- Stage gallery is not responsible for external third-party misuse of images.
- All photo and video materials obtained during the event will be available to exhibition participants.

Liability

By entering the Contest, participants agree to hold the Organizer and its affiliates harmless from any claims, damages, or liability arising out of participation in the Contest or the use of the prizes. The Organizer is not responsible for any late or misdirected entries or for any technical issues that may affect the submission process.

Disqualification

The Organizer reserves the right to disqualify any entry that does not meet the submission requirements, violates the terms of the Contest, or engages in unethical conduct, such as submitting plagiarized images.

Governing Law

These Terms and Conditions are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Zurich, Switzerland, without regard to its conflicts of law principles. Any disputes arising from this Contest shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts located in Zurich, Switzerland.

Contact Information

For any questions regarding the Contest, please contact Ekaterina Rubtsova (Kate) at stagespace.ch@gmail.com or Whatsapp +41762459886.

By entering the Contest, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to these Terms and Conditions.