un/fund faqs

FAQs

How do I apply to un/fund?

  • The 5th edition of un/fund will open in October 2026. The link will be published on the Open Call page on our website and Instagram in due course.

Who can apply?

  • We accept submissions from un/signed photographers and videographers with up to 7 years of professional experience.

Who do you support?

  • un/fund supports emerging professional photographers and videographers within the first seven years of their creative careers. We are particularly interested in working with unrepresented artists (i.e. artists not currently represented by a gallery, agency or management).

What do you mean by “unrepresented”?

  • By “unrepresented,” we mean you are not currently represented by a gallery, agency or management for your artistic practice.

How do you define “7 years of experience”?

  • We count from your first sustained professional activity (e.g., first paid commissions, exhibitions, publications or equivalent). If you’ve had career breaks, you’re still welcome to apply, use the “funding suitability reference” to provide context of your situation.

Is the grant open to international applicants?

  • Yes. Please note that all materials must be submitted in English.

Can you apply as a duo?

  • Yes, creative duos are welcome to apply. Only one member needs to submit the application on behalf of both collaborators.

YOUR APPLICATION:

Can I submit more than one application?

  • We accept one application per applicant. Multiple submissions may be disqualified.

How many projects can I apply with?

  • You may submit one project per artist, including up to 20 images, or 40 images if you select the publishing award as your first choice. These can include both developmental work and final outcomes. Please clearly indicate which images relate to your proposed project.

What types of projects are we looking for?

  • We are open to a wide range of photographic/video practices. We value experimentation, critical thinking and a commitment to exploring underrepresented or overlooked narratives. There is no set theme – we welcome work that challenges conventional approaches and pushes the medium in new directions.

How can I submit video media?

  • Please include a link to your video work (e.g. Vimeo, YouTube, or Google Drive) within your submission materials. Ensure that link is accessible (public or with a working password).

Is there an application fee?

  • Yes – €10.

SUPPORTING MATERIALS:

What is a funding suitability reference?

  • A short statement explaining why you're a good fit for un/fund. It should outline how your artistic goals and current circumstances align with our mission. This may be written by you or by someone who knows your work (e.g., a teacher, mentor, or collaborator)

What needs to be included in the budget breakdown?

  • Your budget breakdown should outline how you plan to use the un/fund grant or specific opportunity to realise your project. All grant funds must be used exclusively for this purpose.

Can I apply if I have received other funding?

  • Yes, but please disclose any overlapping support in your application. Projects that have not yet received funding may be prioritised.

SELECTION PROCESS:

What is the selection process?

  • All eligible submissions are reviewed, with approximately 40 artists selected as a shortlist. The shortlisted applicants are then reviewed by an external jury of industry professionals. We can’t share jury deliberations or individual scoring.

When will results be announced?

  • We contact shortlisted applicants first, then notify awardees. If you haven’t heard from us, you can assume you were not shortlisted.

COMMUNICATION AND FEEDBACK:

Can I contact you about my application?

  • To keep the process fair and manageable, we can’t respond to individual queries about eligibility, project feedback or application status. Please read the full guidelines and FAQs first.

Can I request feedback or a review of my application?

  • Due to the volume of applications, we’re unable to offer individual feedback or calls. We only contact shortlisted applicants, and we can’t respond for feedback on unsuccessful applications.

We’re a small team. We appreciate concise, respectful communication.