EARTHWISE

A Photo Exhibition of Creativity, Community Reflections and Renewal

FAQs

Theme/focus

1. Theme or focus (Photo North & LIAAF)

The exhibition is titled EARTHWISE – A Photo Exhibition of Creativity, Community Reflections and Renewal. It focuses on the relationship between people and nature, highlighting how creativity and community practices can support ecological renewal, environmental justice and hope. We are particularly interested in images that show connections between environment and culture, and how communities are caring for, restoring or reimagining their environments across West Africa and its diaspora.

2. How many pieces?

We anticipate selecting 6–10 works per artist, depending on format and space, aiming for a tightly curated but visually rich exhibition. This can be adjusted in dialogue with you and Photo North once final layouts are confirmed.

3. Scope for new work?

Yes.There is scope to develop or include new work if it aligns with the EARTHWISE theme (creativity, community reflections, environmental care and renewal). We are happy to discuss including a mix of existing and newly developed pieces.

4. Participating artists

The exhibition will feature a small group of West African and West African diaspora photographers, selected via LIAAF’s open call and curatorial process. Final names are being confirmed; we will share the artist list once selections are complete.

Practicalities & support

5. What costs the festival typically covers

Between Photo North Festival and LIAAF, we typically aim to cover:

• Printing and basic installation costs for the agreed exhibition format.

• Core exhibition production (wall hire, hanging, labelling) through PNF’s core budget.

• Where possible, contribution towards framing and/or transport for selected artists,to be agreed individually depending on location and final budget.

6. Artist fee/honorarium

If additional project funding is secured, a portion of that budget will be allocated as artist fees or honoraria. The exact amounts will depend on the level of funding confirmed.

Programming & engagement

7. Festival promotions

Yes. All participating artists will be featured in Photo North Festival and LIAAF promotions, including programme, website and (where possible) press activity. Artist bios and selected images will be shared on both organisations’ platforms.

8. Talks, panels, workshops

Yes. There will be opportunities to contribute to the programme, for example, through an artist talk or a panel conversation about the work, environmental themes, and creative activism. We are very happy to discuss the best format with you.

9. Books/prints for sale

Yes. Space will be provided for artists to offer books and prints for sale during the festival, either at the main festival shop area or adjacent to the exhibition, in line with PNF’s usual retail arrangements.

Logistics & planning

10. Timelines for selection and file delivery

Indicative timeline:

• Artist selection confirmed: c. 8–10 weeks before the festival.

• Final image selection agreed: c. 6–8 weeks before.

• High-res files / print-ready artwork delivered: c. 4–6 weeks before, to allow forprinting, framing and scheduling installation.

We will share exact dates once the festival production schedule is locked.

11. Expectations for artist presence

We strongly encourage artists to attend at least the opening weekend and any scheduled talk or panel in which they are involved, subject to travel and budget.

There is no requirement to be present for the full duration of the festival. We will coordinate with each artist around feasible dates, and where possible PNF and LIAAF will contribute towards travel costs.

To submit your work, follow @liaaf._ and visit our official submission portal