Italian Photography Competition for Under-35 Migrant Background Artists

A new competition in Italy calls for photographers under 35 with a migration background to submit original projects challenging dominant narratives and stereotypes about contemporary Italian society. The initiative, titled 'Sguardi Plurali sull’Italia migratoria' (Plural Gazes on Migratory Italy), targets young people residing in Italy who were born abroad and immigrated, or were born in Italy to at least one foreign-born parent. Submissions must be unpublished, set in Italy, and address themes of cultural and social plurality through documentary, reportage, archival, or experimental photography. A jury of nine experts—including Valeria De Berardinis (Zona Cultural Association), anthropologist Pietro Cingolani (University of Bologna), photographers Mounir Derbal and Deka Mohamed Osman (winners of the second edition), anthropologist Yassin Dia (FIERI), photographer Mohamed Keita (founder of Studio Kene), anthropologist and photographer Chiara Scardozzi (University of Bologna), curator Andrea Tinterri (Società Umanitaria), and artistic curator Marco Trulli (Arci Nazionale)—will evaluate the works. The three winning projects will receive cash prizes of €1,500, €1,000, and €500, and will be featured in a traveling exhibition debuting in autumn 2026 across Italian cities including Bologna, Turin, Carbonia, and Milan. The competition builds on previous editions that showcased projects in universities, festivals, and cultural institutions. The full call is available online.