In Focus Festival - Emerging Young Photographer Competition

The In Focus Festival is lighting up Footscray from March 23 to May 3, transforming the city into an open‑air gallery that celebrates the incredible talent of local photographers from across the West. Expect striking lightboxes, large billboard activations, and a vibrant nighttime arts experience for the whole community.

This year, we’re thrilled to offer one young photographer the chance to step into the spotlight. An emerging artist will be selected to showcase their work as a large‑scale public artwork in Footscray, be featured on the official festival map, and have their images included in the Phoenix Gallery opening. On top of that, they’ll be paid for their creative contribution!

About

Young people aged 12 to 25 with a connection to the West are invited to submit their images for the chance to be part of Maribyrnong City Council’s In Focus Festival.

The winner will receive:

• $500 artist fee for the use of their work
• A place in the In Focus Festival program (starting Monday 23 March) with two of their images displayed in a large lightbox, outside Phoenix Youth Hub, 72 Buckley Street for viewing by the public for six months.
• An exhibition of their images, for the duration of the festival, and opening celebration at the Phoenix Gallery.

Requirements for entry

• Read through the Conditions of Entry below
• Submit five images within the same body of work or story
• Write a short paragraph of your inspiration for your submission, and a bit about yourself (500 words max).
• Submit through online form by 11.59pm Friday 27 February.

Tips for entrants

• All five images should tell a cohesive story
• Use a digital camera, no mobile phones (contact us if you need help sourcing a camera)
  - Choose your lighting and colour saturation carefully - think about how the images will look in the gallery and lit up in a large lightbox.
  - Ensure all images are a high resolution so they can be blown up for printing.
  
  If you need any help with your submission, please contact Maribyrnong Youth on 9091 4700 or email youth@maribyrnong.vic.gov.au

Conditions of entry

Please read through all the Conditions of entry carefully:

In Focus Festival - Emerging Young Photographer Competition - Conditions of Entry(DOCX, 163KB)(DOCX, 163KB)

Entries

Please complete the online entry form here:

 

Entries will be closed 11.59pm on Friday 27 February 2026