Since 2007 the annual Foam Talent Call is the core step in Foam’s ongoing commitment to scout, present and support new generations of talented image-makers worldwide. The Foam Talent Call, and the Foam Magazine Talent Issue resulting from it, are Foam’s own yearly look on the ever-growing photographic community. The editors are curious to see new work from all around the world, looking for image-makers that have developed their voice and that have something to say. Who might have already produced a self-published book, maybe had a few exhibitions but haven’t had yet major publishing deals, major exhibitions or retrospectives. We strive for the Talent Programme to be a starting point in the artist’s career, rather than an arrival moment.

If you think your work is ready for international recognition, being selected as a Foam Talent is a career-building opportunity. Foam's Talent Programme is devoted to supporting you and your work and consists of sharing a portfolio and commissioned text in Foam Magazine, exhibited across multiple Foam touchpoints, participation in the supporting Talent Programme throughout the year, and the opportunity for your work to be added to the prestigious Art Collection Deutsche Börse.

Selected artists receive

• A portfolio in Foam Magazine's Talent Issue, published in February 2022
• International exposure and connection to new audiences by participating in (online) programmes and events
• Work exhibited across multiple Foam touchpoints
• The chance to become part of a prestigious collection. As a selected artist, your work could be added to the Art Collection Deutsche Börse, one of the most important collections of international contemporary photography
• Meeting experts and peers. Foam gives you access to an extensive collection of industry professionals. It offers the opportunity to build up a network and gain recognition within the photography world
• Compensation of €700 as a selected artist in the full programme

Entry fees

Standard entry fee is 25 EUR

About Foam

Foam is an Amsterdam based organisation with a focus on, and attention to relevant developments in contemporary photography. By scouting, presenting and supporting young, talented photographers and their work, Foam aims to discover and nurture exceptional quality of upcoming artists working with the photographic medium.

Special requirements

Only photographers between 18 and 40 years old (by Dec 31, 2021) can enter the Foam Talent Call.

Still searching for some answers? Start reading below.

What is Foam Talent Call?

Foam Talent Call is one of the most prestigious international open calls for photographers between the ages of 18 and 40. Over the past decade the Talent Call has helped launch the careers of numerous talents around the world by giving their work the exposure and recognition it deserves.

What are the dates of Foam Talent Call 2021?

Foam Talent Call 2021 opened on 20 April and runs until 2 June 2021, 11.59 pm, UTC +1. Amsterdam, The Netherlands time.

What are the age requirements?

In order to participate in the 2021 Foam Talent Call:

• You can just have turned 18 at time of applying
• and could be 40 years 11 months and 30 days old by 31 December 2021

This year the age segment has been widened from 35 to 40 in an attempt to address the disparity affecting our communities.

If you do not fall within this age range, please don't feel excluded. You can still submit your work for consideration in one of the two other issues Foam Magazine publishes annually.

What are the terms and conditions for participation?

You can read the full terms and conditions for the 2021 Foam Talent Call here.

How much does it cost?

The cost for participating is €25. This year the entry fee has been lowered down from €35 to €25 in an effort to widen the possibility of its access. This fee goes towards supporting the Foam Talent programme and its networking activities and events) and producing future issues of Foam Magazine.

SUBMISSIONS

What are the submission requirements?

Submissions to Foam Talent Call 2021 can only be made online via PICTER by creating an account and following the full submission process from 20 April until 2 June 2021. Only complete submissions will be accepted. This means two distinct projects with 8 - 10 JPG images per project, a brief description of each project (maximum 2000 characters per project description) and an abridged CV (maximum 2000 characters or PDF).

Can I submit video stills as part of the series?

Yes, you can submit video stills as part of the 8 - 10 images per series. Make sure to explain that these are stills from a video in the series description. It's not possible to upload the video itself but you may provide a link in the description field.

How can I include installation shots with my submission?

There are two ways you can include installations shots with your submission: upload them as extra images in addition to your 8 - 10 portfolio images (as long as you do not exceed 10 files in total) or simply include a link to an image or website in the description field.

Are diptychs allowed? How should I submit these images?

Yes, diptychs, triptychs or other multiple-image compositions are very welcome. If you want your images to be considered in pairs or sets, we ask that you submit each pair/set as its own file. However, it is important to note that this file will be judged as one image, so you will need to submit 8 - 10 pairs/sets to meet the requirements for the series size. If there is a mix of diptychs/sets and single images in a series, simply count the number of files to be sure there are 8 - 10 in total.

Can I submit one series with 18-20 images?

Our editors require two distinct series of work in order to make the best possible judgment. If you only submit one project, unfortunately, your submission cannot be taken into consideration.

What format should my images be in?

Images should be JPGs and at least 2000px on the long edge.

Can I enter as a duo?

Yes, duos are more than welcome!

Can I submit using an artist name?

Yes, but you must include your real name as well.

Is there a theme this year?

No, there is no set theme for the projects being submitted for the Foam Talent Call. The two series you submit should be representative of your artistic practice.

Can I still change my work once I've started the submission process?

Yes, as long as you haven't entered your payment details and clicked SUBMIT, you can always come back and edit your submission.

Which payment methods do you support?

We accept credit card payments as a default. In addition, we also offer Paypal as a payment option. Please send an email to magazine@foam.org if you prefer to use Paypal as a payment method instead.

Can I change or adjust my entry after I’ve paid and submitted?

Unfortunately there is no easy way to do this. However, in special circumstances, you are able to make adjustments directly with our partner Picter. Your application will need to be reopened individually. In order to adjust your entry, please email support@picter.com and they will take it from there.

SELECTION PROCESS

How are Foam Talents selected?

Foam Talents are selected by the editorial team of Foam Magazine. Being a talent normally describes someone who has outstanding skills or abilities. However, besides selecting the work of artists with an above-average talent within a specific generation, we also try to judge whether the work is of above-average importance for current developments in photography. Given our expertise, we strive to make a selection that stands the test of time and provides, in retrospect, a clear picture of the kind of relevant photographic work made in our own day by a new group of emerging image-makers.

Why are there age limits?

The age limits set for the Foam Talent Call have been created in order to focus once a year on a specific generation of photographers. Our editors are curious about how this particular generation (those who during the calendar year of the open call fall between the ages of 18 and 40) looks at the world and expresses itself with a camera. This year the age segment has been widened from 35 to 40 in an attempt to address the disparity affecting our communities. If you are not between 18 and 40, you can still submit your portfolio for consideration in one of the other issues of Foam Magazine.

What if I don't fall within the required age range?

If you are not between 18 and 40, please do not feel excluded. You can still submit your work for consideration for Foam Magazine. Age has nothing to do with the portfolios featured in two out of the three annual issues. These are selected purely for their photographic, artistic, or documentary quality.

When will I know if I have been selected?

The selection procedure takes place between June and August so you can expect to receive the results by the end of August. The Talent issue of Foam Magazine will be published in February 2022 and the names of the selected artists will be officially announced. kicking off a year of activities around the work of the new group of Foam Talents.

CONTACT

Who do I contact for press inquiries?

For press inquiries please contact pressoffice@foam.org.

If you still have questions you can hit the chat box or reach out direct to magazine@foam.org

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