International Handicrafts Photo Awards 2026
First Place: 2,000 €
- Deadline: 31 August 2026
- Entry fee: Free
- Website: https://www.handicraftsphoto.com/
The International Handicrafts Photo Awards is an international photography competition organized to document, promote, and preserve the rich diversity of handicrafts through the universal language of photography.
Handicrafts play an essential role in preserving cultural heritage, traditional craftsmanship, vocational skills, sustainable production, local economies, and community identity. Photography is the most powerful medium for recording not only handcrafted works but also the knowledge, patience, and stories behind them. Building on ESDER's extensive experience in organizing successful national and international photography competitions, this project aims to create one of the world's most comprehensive photographic archives dedicated to handicrafts, preserving this cultural heritage for future generations.
The top three photographs will receive cash prizes. In addition, 106 Exhibition Awards will be presented. These selected photographs will be showcased in an international digital exhibition and published in a professionally printed photo catalogue. The catalogue will be distributed to public institutions, universities, museums, cultural organizations, NGOs, and other relevant stakeholders, providing international visibility for both the photographers and the handicrafts they document. Participants will also gain international recognition by becoming part of a permanent cultural archive.
The international exhibition and awards ceremony will be held during the Gala Event in Ankara, Türkiye, in October 2026, bringing together photographers, artists, academics, and cultural institutions to celebrate the world's rich handicraft heritage.
Prizes:
First Place: 2,000 €
Second Place: 1,500 €
Third Place: 1,000 €
Eligibility:
Open to participants worldwide aged 18 and over. Free entry. Entries must focus on traditional or modern handicrafts, artisans, and their creative processes.
Copyrights & Usage Rights:
The financial rights (reproduction, distribution, public display, and communication) of the 109 selected works (top 3 winners and 106 exhibition entries) are transferred to ESDER without time or geographical limitations. However, the photographer retains their artistic connection to the work and has full freedom to use, display, and publish their photographs in their personal portfolio, website, social media, and non-commercial artistic exhibitions. ESDER holds the rights to feature these 109 works in the official catalogue, 3D virtual exhibition, physical exhibitions, promotional materials, and media channels for this non-profit project. Apart from the specified competition awards, no additional or separate copyright fees will be paid.