Open Call #9 – Permanence

Open Call #9 – Permanence •

What is Open Call #9 about?

Open Call #9 is a free opportunity to include your striking single images that explore Permanence—the enduring, the lasting, the unchanging—which complements our ongoing Open Call #8: Ephemerality.

Who can submit?

Photographers and image-based artists worldwide, regardless of style or genre, including collectives.

Why should you submit?

By participating in Ephemere's Open Call #9, you gain the opportunity for the following:

  • Tokyo Showcase: Consideration to exhibit your work physically in our Tokyo group exhibition held in October.

  • Online Visibility: Increased reach via Ephemere's Instagram (7,500+ friends).

  • Global Community: Connect with an international network of artists.

Note: The primary aim of Open Call #9 is to produce a group exhibition. While our budget leading up to the October event might allow us to produce a special photozine for this Permanence project, we aren't able to guarantee it at this time.

How can you participate?

Open Call #9: Permanence is completely free for everyone to submit. This initiative complements the paid submission tier for Open Call #8: Ephemerality, representing Ephemere's commitment to giving back to the photographic community and fulfilling our mission to help publish photographers both online and offline.

  • Image Quantity: Submit 1 to 5 single images (max. 1 per category).

  • Entry Limit: One completed entry form per photographer (under one name/email).

  • Final Selection: Only one (1) image will be selected per photographer for the final exhibition.

Which categories can you submit to?

To help you select your strongest single image, choose from these five categories. You may submit one image per category:

  1. Permanence in Memory: Captures a memory refusing to fade.

  2. Permanence in Time: Conveys unending presence or timelessness.

  3. Permanence in Form: Represents stability, resilience, or deep-rooted existence.

  4. Permanence in Impact: Shows an enduring legacy or unwavering presence.

  5. Permanence in Ritual: Speaks to unbroken continuity or timeless recurrence.

How are submissions selected?

All images are reviewed by Anne Murayama, Curator & Publisher of Ephemere, based on the following:

  • Lasting Impression: Profound and enduring visual and emotional impact.

  • Compelling Vision: Originality and distinctiveness in photographic approach and unique perspective on Permanence.

  • Conceptual Clarity: Effective articulation of concept and its connection to category and theme through image description(s).

Note: While optional, providing accompanying texts (title, description, artist statement) is highly recommended as it greatly aids the curator's understanding and selection.

What else should you know?

  • Submission Format: Single images only (not photo essays). If you have a photo essay, submit it to Open Call #8: Ephemerality until July 15th, 2025.

  • Image & Content Specs: PNG, TIFF, or high-quality JPG; minimum 3000px long side, 300 dpi. Required Title for each image, Description (max 100 words), and Artist Statement (max 150 words) via submission form. AI writing tools welcome.

  • Guidelines & Discretion: Strict adherence to file naming is required (failure may lead to disqualification). Ephemere reserves the right to final selection.

When is it happening?

  • Open Call Duration: July 1st — July 31st, 2025 (23:59 Japan Standard Time)

  • Selected Photographers’ Announcement: Late August or Early September 2025

  • Group Exhibition: October 1st – 12th, 2025

Key Contributors

  • Anne Murayama

    Curator, Publisher

  • Andrei Barbos

    Assistant Curator

Open Call #9: Submission Form

© Derek Hayes

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Open Call #8 – Ephemerality