Residenza Radicale

OPEN CALL 2026

© Michela Mosca

Now in its third year, Residenza Radicale continues its journey of (very) loose analogy with the idea of roots in order to continue and deepen its exploration of Calabria.

Thanks to the work of the photographers who have taken part so far, the territory and its charms have been portrayed in an engaging and interesting way, as have the soil and its elements, the color of the landscape, some vestiges of the past, and the family sociality of small villages.

The 2026 edition focuses on where roots meet and manifest themselves strongly to find their space. In the encounter, therefore, in the affirmation of identities, in dialogue, in the visible result of a subsoil, or rather, in this case, of a human hypogeum. It will therefore be an urban edition, focused on the cities of Cosenza and Catanzaro, but always transcending the present as such, using it instead as the voice of a deeper echo.

The search for the fundamental and invisible elements of the territory and the people who live there, as in previous editions, is entrusted annually to young authors whose different styles then come together in a single, multifaceted body. Residenza Radicale is an artist residency in the field of photography: a search for stories, landscapes, and a ‘supernatural’ that always begins by questioning the common matrix and hidden origins of the visible.

Diego Orlando
Artistic Director of Residenza Radicale

Applications are now open for the new edition of Residenza Radicale, a project promoted by Fotografia Calabria Festival and carried out in collaboration with Hotel Guglielmo (hospitality partner) and Carlomagno Auto (mobility partner).

The residency will take place from 24 to 31 May 2026 between the cities of Catanzaro and Cosenza, as well as in the surrounding area, under the artistic direction of Diego Orlando. Two Italian photographers under 35 will be selected, and full availability for the entire residency period (24–31 May 2026) is required. If a selected candidate is unable to participate, the organization will move to the next person on the shortlist. Participation is completely free of charge. Selected photographers will receive all information regarding travel and accommodation directly from the Festival organization.

To apply, the following materials must be sent by 22 March 2026 to residenzaradicale@fotografiacalabriafestival.it:

  • A motivation letter

  • A portfolio in PDF format (maximum size 20 MB, attached directly to the email)

  • The portfolio does not need to follow a specific theme but must reflect the photographer’s personal style.

  • Applications must be submitted in Italian.

  • Collectives are not eligible.

Works sent via WeTransfer or similar platforms will not be accepted.

Only materials attached directly to the email and within the indicated file size will be considered.

The selection results will be communicated by 15 April 2026.

HOSPITALITY PARTNER

The event is part of the Fotografia Calabria Festival 2026 - 5th Edition project, supported by Strategia Fotografia 2025, promoted by the Directorate-General for Contemporary Creativity of the Ministry of Culture.

MOBILITY PARTNER