Global Open Call: Capture the Spirit of Football
In an exciting initiative, Qatar Museums' Tasweer Photography program is inviting photographers from around the world to participate in the global open call for Under One Sky. This project, aligned with the Years of Culture celebrations, works alongside the U.S. Department of State's Art in Embassies effort to showcase the shared experience of football fandom.
Celebrating the FIFA World Cup
As we look ahead to significant football events, this traveling photography exhibition serves as a tribute to the universal connection forged during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™. The exhibition will open in early 2026 and will be hosted in various Qatari embassies located in Washington D.C., Ottawa, and Mexico City, coinciding with the excitement of the FIFA World Cup 2026™.
Significance of Under One Sky
Under One Sky is more than just a photographic exhibition; it's a heartfelt tribute to friendship, dedication, and the emotional connections that unite fans globally. Through vivid photography and personal narratives, this initiative aims to highlight the positive values of joy, kindness, and hospitality that transcended borders during the historic matches of the tournament.
A Visionary Project
Dr. Aisha Abdulla Hamad Al Misnad, who leads Years of Culture, emphasized the importance of this project in honoring the fans who made the tournament a memorable event. She stated that by sharing these experiences, we continue to commemorate Qatar’s legacy as a hospitable host and foster cultural dialogue through the love of football.
Open Call Details
The call for submissions is now open, with details as follows:
Submission Period
Photographers can submit their works until January 11, 2026. The submission will close at 11:59 PM Doha time (UTC+03:00).
Eligibility Criteria
This open call is open to photographers aged 18 and above from all corners of the globe. All experience levels are welcome to showcase their talent.
Submission Requirements
Each participant may submit one image, which should be in either JPEG or TIFF format, with a minimum resolution of 3000 pixels on the longest side and file sizes ranging between 3 to 8 MB. The submission costs nothing, making this opportunity accessible to all interested photographers.
Categories for Submission
Participants can submit their images under two main categories:
1. Inside Qatar
This category invites those who experienced the tournament firsthand to share their unique perspectives:
- The Journey – Documenting travel and arrival experiences in Qatar.
- The Game – Capturing the excitement and anticipation at the stadiums.
- After the Game – Celebrations and shared joy following the matches.
2. Outside Qatar
This category is dedicated to global celebrations and fan traditions, encompassing:
- The Love of Football – Showcasing diverse fan cultures, from intimate home gatherings to vibrant street celebrations inspired by FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™.
Prizes and Selection Process
For the final exhibition, a panel of expert jurors will select 50 to 70 photographs to showcase across the three host countries. Winners in each category will receive a prize of USD 500, encouraging creativity and engagement among participants.
Judging and Exhibition
After the evaluation process, winners will be notified via email. This exhibition aims to curate a collective visual archive of the global football fan culture, expressing shared memories linked to FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ while drawing connections to the widespread celebration surrounding the 2026 World Cup.
How to Submit Your Entry
Interested photographers can submit their entries through the designated online platform. For more detailed criteria and submission guidelines, please reach out directly through the contacts available within the submission portal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of Under One Sky?
Under One Sky is an artistic celebration of the connections forged during the FIFA World Cup 2022™, showcasing the stories and emotions of fans worldwide through photography.
Who can participate in the photography open call?
The open call is open to photographers aged 18 and above, regardless of their experience level, from anywhere in the world.
When is the deadline for submissions?
The deadline for submissions is January 11, 2026, at 11:59 PM Doha time.
Are there any fees to submit a photograph?
No, there is no fee to submit a photograph for the Under One Sky exhibition.
How will the selected photographs be displayed?
The selected works will be displayed in various Qatari embassies across multiple countries, contributing to the visual archive of global football culture.
