Photographic introduces a global platform for emerging artists that connects digital access with activity at its museum locations. The initiative operates through emerging.fotografiska.com and spans Berlin, Stockholm, Shanghai, Tallinn and the soon-to-open Oslo. It brings together artists working in lens-based, time-based and prompt-based practices within a system that connects discovery, selection and presentation.
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The program focuses on open calls that invite artists to submit work for professional evaluation. These opportunities remain free and follow a judicial process leading to reports, grants or publications. Fotografiska defines emerging artists as photographers in the early stages of their careers who have developed a distinct voice but have not secured major solo exhibitions or institutional representation. The platform gives these artists access to institutional visibility through a structured and accessible entry point.
Several open calls shape the first phase of the program. A collaboration with Photography 4 Humanity and the United Nations invites artists to respond to urgent global issues, with selected works presented at the United Nations headquarters in New York on December 10, 2026. Another call, developed with Jägermeister under the title Night Aesthetics, focuses on contemporary interpretations of night culture identity. Fotografiska also introduces special invitations to Berlin, Stockholm and Tallinn, where selected artists will present solo exhibitions in their local museum spaces.
The platform also includes a verification system for participating artists. Verified profiles receive a dedicated portfolio page and a personal URL within Fotografiska’s network, creating long-term exposure associated with the institution. This structure links digital presence with curatorial critique, allowing artists to remain visible beyond a single submission or exhibition.
Fotografiska builds the platform through a combination of curators, partnerships and digital infrastructure. The system supports collaboration between artists and institutions, while reducing barriers that often limit access to professional opportunities. Yoram Roth, Executive Chairman of Fotografiska, describes the initiative as a step towards building relationships with visual artists at various stages of their careers. Pauline Benthede, Global VP Artistic Direction and Exhibitions, points to the platform as a way to connect digital discovery with exhibition opportunities at all Fotografiska locations.
Sophia Emmerich takes on the role of Lead Editor, bringing experience as a photography artist to guide the platform’s editorial direction. The technical foundation is based on Naidus, a Picter brand that supports submission handling, judging and artist integration. This system provides a consistent process at all stages, from application to presentation.
The platform was launched on March 12 and creates a new structure to identify and support emerging photographers through both digital and institutional channels.
