The Itinerances association has announced the call for submissions for the fourth edition of its photography festival, Itinerances Foto (IF), scheduled to take place in Sète, France from May 14 to May 31, 2026. The upcoming exhibition will showcase photographic works from selected artists in various venues throughout the Mediterranean coastal city.
The volunteer-run organization operates under French law 1901 as a non-profit association, bringing together photographers, art and culture enthusiasts, cultural project leaders, art and photography galleries, and collectors of photographs and vintage cameras. The group is deeply connected to the city of Sète and its unique character, aiming to share the city's cultural richness through artistic events that reflect their core values of generosity, sharing, and kindness.
The primary objective of Itinerances Foto is to promote and enhance photographic creation in all its forms. This year's festival theme is "What if this is life?" ("Et si c'était ça la vie?"), inviting photographers to explore and interpret this philosophical question through their visual narratives.
The selection committee will evaluate submissions based on several key criteria. Artistic quality and originality will be primary considerations, along with the coherence of the author's vision and how well the project aligns with the chosen theme. The organizers also seek to maintain balance among different forms of photographic expression, including contemporary, classical, experimental, and fine art photography approaches.
Notably, the age of the photographic work will not influence selection decisions, and previously completed series are welcome for submission. The festival gives priority to photographers who have not previously exhibited in the IF framework, providing opportunities for new voices in the photographic community to showcase their work.
Selected projects will be displayed across various locations throughout Sète, including public spaces such as walls and gardens, as well as galleries, workshops, and local cultural institutions. This diverse venue approach allows the festival to integrate seamlessly into the city's urban landscape while making art accessible to both residents and visitors.
The submission deadline is set for January 10, 2026, at midnight, giving photographers several months to prepare their applications. The festival will officially open with a vernissage on May 14, 2026, marking the beginning of the 18-day exhibition period that will run through May 31, 2026.
Interested photographers can find complete submission guidelines and application procedures on the festival's official website at www.itinerances-foto.com. For specific inquiries about candidacy requirements, applicants may contact the organization at candidatures.if.26@gmail.com. The festival continues to establish itself as an important cultural event in the French photography scene, offering both established and emerging photographers a platform to share their artistic vision.
