January 2026 Photography Opportunities: Awards, Grants, and Open Calls

Multiple photography competitions, grants, and exhibition opportunities have deadlines in January 2026. Awards include the Sony World Photography Awards with several categories closing on January 6, 9, and 13, the Aperture Portfolio Prize ending January 9, and the World Press Photo Contest concluding January 17. Grants and residencies such as the Seed Award from the Prince Claus Fund for photographers from specific global regions close January 8, while various artist residency programs at institutions like Hope College and Emmanuel College have January 15 deadlines. Open calls for exhibitions include Cut Paste Transform at PhotoPlace Gallery ending January 5, Filter Photo Context 2026 closing January 7, and multiple thematic shows at galleries worldwide throughout the month. These opportunities provide platforms for photographers to gain recognition, funding, and exhibition space.