Valdepeñas Opens IX International Contemporary Photography Competition Phoco'26
The ninth edition of the International Contemporary Photography Competition, Phoco'26, has been announced by the Valdepeñas City Council in Ciudad Real. Photographers, both Spanish and international, aged 18 and over who reside in Spain, can submit their entries until 9 October 2026 at 23:59. Previous first-prize winners may participate but cannot win again. Contestants can send a maximum of three JPG images (up to 10 MB) without watermarks. While general edits are permitted, images enhanced by AI will be disqualified. Authors must retain full copyright, and works that have been previously awarded or used commercially are not eligible. Selected entries must be submitted physically within 20 days of notification. The prizes include €3,000 for first place and €1,500 for second, with an exhibition set to open in December 2026. Detailed rules are available at www.valdepenas.es.
Key facts
- The IX Certamen Internacional de Fotografía Contemporánea Phoco'26 is organised by the Ayuntamiento de Valdepeñas in Ciudad Real
- Submission deadline is 9 October 2026 at 23:59 peninsular time
- Eligible entrants are Spanish or foreign photographers over 18 residing in Spain
- The first-prize winner of the two previous editions may participate but cannot win again
- Each author may submit a maximum of three titled JPG photographs, minimum 300 ppp and maximum 10 MB
- AI-processed images and photographs previously awarded, in collections or used commercially are not accepted
- First prize is 3,000 euros and second prize is 1,500 euros
- Selected works must be delivered physically within 20 days to Centro Cultural "La Confianza", Calle Real, 9, 13300 Valdepeñas, Ciudad Real
- Physical prints must measure between 60 x 60 cm and 200 cm and be rigidly mounted with a secure hanging system
- An exhibition with the Agrupación Fotográfica Albores opens in December 2026 in a municipal hall
Entities
Institutions
- Ayuntamiento de Valdepeñas
- Centro Cultural "La Confianza"
- Agrupación Fotográfica Albores
- masdearte
Locations
- Valdepeñas
- Spain
- Ciudad Real
- Calle Real, 9, 13300 Valdepeñas, Ciudad Real