PARADAJS PHOTO FEST 2026

A pulsating spot appeared on Slovakia’s photography map two years ago, expanding its boundaries with each passing year. Since its inception, the festival has maintained an international character, welcoming guests from neighboring countries as well as Spanish photography star Txema Salvans last year. Now, the festival dives deeper into international waters with its first official Open Call.

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Furthermore, Paradajs Photo Fest has recently become a member of the IPFA – International Photography Festivals Association. This partnership is more than just a formal step; it is a commitment to further developing international photographic dialogue and bringing artistic statements to Banská Štiavnica that transcend geographical borders.

The true strength of the Open Call lies in the fact that “it allows us to discover authors who might currently be off our radar but are producing high-quality work,” as festival director Jano Viazo stated.

For artists, it offers the opportunity to gain visibility at an established festival this year. The jury—composed of Vanda Mesiariková, Branislav Štepánek, Zuzana Pustaiová and Jano Viazo—will select 10 finalists whose work will be presented in a site-specific exhibition during the upcoming edition of the festival.

PARADAJS PHOTO FEST 2024

PARADAJS PHOTO FEST 2024, Exterior Installation

PARADAJS PHOTO FEST 2025, Interior installation

The winner will receive prizes worth €2,000.

For the winner, however, the journey doesn't end with the group exhibition. The festival’s goal is to provide long-term support for contemporary creators. The Grand Prix winner of Paradajs Photo Fest 2026 can look forward to production support and a solo exhibition in 2027, as well as an art residency at the KTC Hájovňa Červená studňa, a co-organizer of the festival.

KTC HÁJOVŇA - ČERVENÁ STUDŇA, BANSKÁ ŠTIAVNICA, FOTO: L. L. LUKAČOVIČOVÁ

As the author of this article can confirm from personal experience, the residencies at Hájovňa are magical. Since 2018, when Hájovňa first started offering this opportunity, these stays have become somewhat legendary. Inspiration has been found here by authors who define the current art scene—including Andrej Dúbravský, Alan Hyža, and the current Slovak Photographer of the Year, Lenka L. Lukačovičová.

Thematically, the Open Call is a play on the festival's name, but the theme “Welcome to Paradise” should not be taken literally. It is a multi-layered concept with vast space in between. It is entirely up to the authors to decide what they present as their own paradise. For some, it might be endless palm-lined beaches; for others, a world of smog and noise, or perhaps an introspective reflection of the inner self. What matters is the power of visual language and the artist's ability to communicate through images, creating a dialogue with the viewer.

Can you imagine a better setting for this theme than Banská Štiavnica? Its blend of pure beauty, melancholy, bloom, and decay provides the perfect stage for this interaction.

Open Call 2026 is active until March 15, 2026, and all the information you need is just one click away.

PARADAJS PHOTO FEST 2025

PARADAJS PHOTO FEST 2024, Exterior Installation

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