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The Valerie J. Maynard Foundation
(Opportunity) Open Call to Baltimore Photographers – Flashback: Two Centuries of Baltimore Photography
This open call seeks to amplify voices and visions that capture the complexity, beauty, and lived experience of Baltimore—particularly from photographers who have not had extensive professional exhibition opportunities.
Up to twenty (20) selected photographers will have their work featured in a rotating presentation within with the Flashback exhibition at the BMA’s Main Branch and Lexington Market Branch from October 2026 through February 2027. Please note that selected work will likely be projected or displayed on a screen, not printed.
Guiding Questions
We are looking for photographic work that responds to, engages with, or offers a unique perspective on the following questions:
- Who are we as Baltimoreans?
- What makes our city?
- What does Baltimore mean to you?
- What does Baltimore look like to you?
- What is your Baltimore?
Submission Requirements
To be considered, applicants must supply the following materials via this form (or in person at the BMA’s Lexington Market Branch Location, if needed):
- Up to three (3) photographs that consider the questions noted above and meet the eligibility criteria noted below.
- A Personal Statement of no more than 150 words that contextualizes the applicant’s work, practice, and perspective.*
*Please note that we strongly discourage the use of AI tools to create this text. Statements will be evaluated for their personality, specificity, and integrity, not for spelling or grammar.
Eligibility Requirements
Residency
Applicants must have maintained primary residence and/or an art studio in Baltimore City or Baltimore County during the past five years (2021–2026).
Age
Applicants must be 18 years or older by the close of the application window (July 26, 2026).
Exhibition History
- The submitted work must not have been exhibited in a gallery, museum, or institutional setting in the last 5 years (2021–2026).
- The submitted work must not have been published in a professional publication in the last 5 years (2021–2026). Professional publications include magazines, newspapers, exhibition catalogs, published books, and curated online platforms.
- Note: Self-publishing (including social media posts, personal websites, or self-produced zines) does NOT disqualify applicants.
Medium Requirements
- The submitted work must be still photography produced using digital or film cameras.
- Photography may use analog or digital processing methods.
- No time-based media (video, moving image, GIFs, etc.) will be considered.
- No AI-generated images or images created primarily through AI tools will be considered.
- Mixed media works incorporating photography may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
- Works must be your own.
- Submitted image files must be no more than 5MB, 300 DPI
- Accepted file formats: JPG
Submission Process
Submissions will be accepted from May 22-July 26.
- Platform: Submit your work using the link above.
- Drop-in Q&A Sessions: Two sessions will be offered during the application period. Sessions will be held on Monday, July 13, 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. and Wednesday, July 15, 7 to 9 p.m.
- Physical Submission Support: Physical artworks can be dropped off at BMA Lexington Market, Stall 55, Thursday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Where to learn more: Information will be available on the BMA website and the BMA Lexington Market, Stall 55.
- Multiple or repeat applications will not be considered. Please only complete the application once.
Photographers whose work is already included in the Flashback exhibition are noteligible to apply.
Selected photographers will be notified by September 30, 2026.
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