Call for Entries – GCPL Photo Annual 2026!
Gwinnett County Public Library welcomes local photographers to join our yearly photography showcase. Those selected for the GCPL Photo Annual will have their work exhibited at the Duluth branch and published in our online virtual gallery.
Entries are open to all residents of the state of Georgia. All skill levels are welcome, and submissions are free to enter.
The juror will be announced soon!
The year’s theme is “Looking In”
Whether we are passing by an open window or contemplating deep within ourselves, we all have experience “Looking In.” This year’s theme prompts you to contemplate what is inside. We welcome interpretations of emotional, physical, or metaphorical journeys. Show us what you see when you are “Looking In.”
Photographic, lens, or light-based images are welcome for entry, including staged scenes, manipulated images, mixed media, or alternative processes. The final work needs to be submitted as a digital file and will be printed on large-format vinyl for public display. We will not accept any art that is created through AI-prompt. Please note that artwork cannot contain nudity, drug use, or violence.
Submission Guidelines:
- This exhibition is free to enter and open to anyone creating photographic images.
- Submissions open on Friday, July 31st, 2026. Entries close on September 4th, 2026.
- Each entrant can submit up to 3 images.
- Recommended minimum image size is 5100 pixels on the shortest edge.
- Name your files using the naming convention: Lastname_Firstname_001.jpg
- Submissions are collected through Google Forms.
- Once you submit the form, you should receive a confirmation email.
- Accepted photographers will be notified on or around October 9th, 2026.
Important Dates:
- Friday, July 31, 2026: Entries open for all.
- Friday, September 4, 2026: Entries close.
- Friday, October 9, 2026: Accepted artist notified.
- Friday, October 16, 2026: Print files due from accepted artists.
- Saturday, November 7, 2026: Exhibition Opening and Juror Talk.
- Friday, December 11, 2026: Exhibition closes.
Public Exhibition and Guide:
- Accepted images will be printed on large-format vinyl and installed at the Duluth Branch.
- Images will also be published in an exhibition guide that will be available at the exhibition opening. Several copies will be placed in the GCPL collection.
- Artists who agree will also have their work exhibited in an online exhibition where they can add context to their work by briefly describing their images.
- Artists retain copyright to their images. GCPL reserves the right to use accepted images for purposes related only to the Photo Annual, including promotion, the exhibition, the exhibition guide, and future Photo Annual publicity.
Library Resources at Gwinnett County Public Library for Photographers:
Gwinnett County Public Library has Learning Labs with many free resources to help photographers, including DSLR and mirrorless digital cameras, iMac stations with Adobe Creative Cloud, studio lights, and more. Access to our Learning Labs is free with a library card. Out-of-county patrons can purchase a full-access library card for $40 a year.
Learning Lab Specialists are also on staff to help! Book-a-Librarian or Book an appointment to use the labs at https://www.gwinnettpl.org/learninglabs/.
Have a question? Send us an email at learninglabs@gwinnettpl.org.
