Call for Submissions: Representation

Unpublished Africa invites photographers across the continent to submit work for our upcoming exhibition, Representation.

Across the continent, photographers are shaping how Africa sees itself. Images influence memory, identity, and public understanding. They reveal who is centred, who is left out, and how stories travel. In this year’s Photo Week, we are inviting work that looks closely at representation: who tells the story, how it is told, and why it matters.

We are looking for photography that reflects the everyday realities, identities, and communities that shape African life. Representation is not only about visibility; it's also about agency, context, and the power of voice. Through this open call, we hope to bring together work that challenges assumptions and deepens how we understand the world around us.

Who can apply

• African photographers aged 18 and above

• Both emerging and established photographers

• Work can be documentary, conceptual, or experimental, as long as it engages the theme of representation

What we’re looking for

• A thoughtful photographic series of 3–5 images exploring representation in any form

• Work that brings attention to overlooked communities, identities, or narratives

• Projects rooted in context and grounded in place, people, and lived experience

• Honest storytelling that avoids stereotypes or simplified portrayals

How to apply

• Submit up to 5 JPEG images (maximum 5MB each)

• Include a short artist statement (200–300 words) explaining your approach to the theme

• Add a short bio (100 words max)

• Use this link to submit:
  https://airtable.com/appBCShD073iFX4xB/shrsrQSTuSzpa99oP

• Deadline: 22 November 2025

When submitting, please label your captions as follows:
Artist Name, Nationality, Title, Year

About Unpublished Africa

Unpublished Africa is committed to creating entry points for African photographers at the early stages of their careers. We provide exhibitions, workshops, publications, and community-led programmes that help visual storytellers build networks, strengthen their practice, and access opportunities within the creative economy.

We believe in the value of honest and nuanced storytelling. Many photographers who have begun their journey with us — through Photo Walks, Creative Business Studio, or first-time exhibitions — have gone on to receive regional and international recognition. These early steps matter, which is why we work to make them accessible.

Unpublished Africa continues to support the voices shaping the continent’s creative future, centering curiosity, community, and collaboration.