Open Call: Coffee Culture Photography Exhibition 2026

Unpublished Africa, in collaboration with Tiqur Qelem Magazine (Ethiopia), invites Ethiopian photographers to submit work for the Coffee Culture virtual exhibition, marking Tiqur Qelem Magazine’s third anniversary.

This collaboration is part of ongoing work with alumni of our Creative Business Studio programme, including members of the Tiqur Qelem Magazine founding team.

We are seeking images that explore Ethiopia’s coffee culture: its traditions, rituals, social spaces, and personal stories. We encourage submissions that show creative interpretations of coffee’s role in Ethiopian culture, whether through daily life, artistic expression, or social and communal practices.

We welcome submissions that explore the following:

• Cultural Rituals: Coffee preparation, ceremonies, and traditions

• Social Spaces: Cafés, communal spaces, and gatherings around coffee

• Stories and Portraits: Personal or collective narratives connected to coffee

• Creative Interpretation: Innovative or abstract storytelling of coffee culture
  
  

Submission Guidelines:

• Eligibility: Photographers must be Ethiopian and over 18 years old.

• Image Quantity: Submit 3-5 images. These may be a single story or a short series.

• File Requirements: Each image must be max 5MB. JPEG or PNG preferred.

• Caption: Include a brief caption for each image explaining what we are seeing and why it matters. Label captions as follows:
  Artist Name, Nationality, Title, Year

• Artist Statement: A short statement (200 words max) about your photographic practice and the thinking behind the work you are submitting.

• Bio: Include a short bio (100 words max).

• Headshot: Please include a clear headshot

Deadline: 8 February 2026

Selected photographers will have their work featured in the virtual exhibition.

About Unpublished Africa

Unpublished Africa works to create access, visibility, and professional pathways for African visual storytellers. Through exhibitions, publishing, and programmes, we support photographers at key early stages of their careers and contribute to a stronger African creative economy.

We look forward to receiving your submissions!

Submit your work on this link:

https://airtable.com/appf0GGiOOYqqSMzO/shrEJWt5LR361MLe1

Know an Ethiopian photographer that should see this? Please share this with them!