Project Groundswell
Open Call for Artists
We’re excited to announce the official launch of Groundswell, a one-of-a-kind project bringing together four international cultural institutions Cortona On The Move (Italy), Fotohof Salzburg (Austria), Imago Lisboa (Portugal), led by Photo Museum Ireland (Ireland)
At a time when awareness of environmental issues is at an all-time high, Groundswell aims to take the next step: turning awareness into tangible action through the evocative power of photography. Here’s what you can expect in the coming months:
- New funded opportunities for artists and photographic projects focused on climate action.
- Sustainability training for artists and cultural professionals to explore creative, sustainable practices.
- High-quality exhibitions that connect audiences with pressing sustainability issues.
- Publications and audiovisual content to engage global audiences on social media and beyond
The Open Call is officially open – we are looking for photographers and lens-based artists who can capture real, tangible climate action. This is your chance to have your work exhibited in four major European cultural institutions dedicated to photography. We’ve set out on a two-year journey to transform climate awareness into action, and now we’re calling on photographers to be part of it!
We’re looking for projects that go beyond awareness and show real, tangible climate action in motion – carbon reduction, biodiversity conservation, climate justice, circular economy, and more.
For the 4 main winners: €5,000, a touring exhibition, and a monographic photobook.
For the 12 finalists: €1,000, mentorship to create a short audiovisual piece, international screenings, and promotional support
Artists of any nationality residing in Europe, aged 18 or older at the time of application, are eligible to participate. Each artist can submit up to 3 projects, each consisting of 8 to 15 images. Projects can be either completed or in progress. Al-generated images are not accepted, unless Al itself is the subject of the project. Deadline: April 30, 2025, at 23:59 CET.
Upcoming Groundswell Events
Coming Soon
- Three Free Online Training Workshops to develop skills in environmentally sustainable practice.






Project Groundswell is organised by Photo Museum Ireland, Fotohof, Cortona on the Move, Imago Lisboa.
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.
Upcoming Events
Azure Dementia-Inclusive Tour
Azure at Photo Museum Ireland, supporting people living with Dementia and Alzheimers. Azure is a free experience designed for people living with dementia and their families, friends and carers. During Azure, you will explore artworks from Photo Museum Ireland’s...
Through the Lens: Women’s Work – Female Photography as Visibility, Agency and Resistance
As part of our Through the Lens lecture series, his talk reflects upon the complexity of our lived experiences, exploring themes of belonging, care, memory, and the ways we create meaning in our lives. It considers both the comfort of feeling at home - in our bodies...
Through the Lens: Aftermath – The Troubles and Beyond in Northern Irish Photography
As part of our new Through the Lens lecture series, Luke Gibbons will explore the complex relationship between visual culture and Irish identity through photography. Drawing on a diverse range of works, Gibbons will address how photographs both reveal and obscure...