From News Desk
2026 will be a special year for photography as we celebrate the bicentenary of its creation. Nicéphore Niépce, a visionary inventor from the early 19th century, is widely recognised as having produced the first permanent photograph in 1826.
To celebrate the bicentenary of photography in 2026, the BMW ART MAKERS programme invites applicants to honour this heritage while imagining forward-looking projects. Echoing Niépce’s pioneering spirit, this exceptional edition encourages the exploration of the links between image, innovation and transformation, in a context where creativity and responsibility come together.
Since 1826, photography has stood at the heart of cultural and technological change—an ambition now shared by BMW through its commitment to more intelligent, more human-centred and more sustainable mobility. Artist–curator duos are therefore invited to propose a project that reimagines our relationship with the image, movement and progress.
The call for applications is open until 31 December 2025 at 11:59 p.m.
The winning duo will be announced in January 2026.
BMW ART MAKERS – financial, material and human support that includes –
- A grant of €10,000 for the artist,
- A grant of €8,000 for the curator,
- A budget of €15,000 for research and production of the works,
- The production of an exhibition integrated into major events such as Paris Photo and the Rencontres d’Arles,
- Support in coordination and communication.
Practical information
In particular, the project should –
- Innovate or experiment with the medium.
- Design a scenography that is carefully thought out throughout its entire life cycle and can be reused at the Rencontres d’Arles and then at Paris Photo.
- Prioritise the sober and responsible use of resources.
- Question or provide an artistic perspective on current issues.
Applications are open until 31st December 2025 on the dedicated BMW ART MAKERS application platform. More information is available on the official Instagram account.
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