Foam is thrilled to announce the 2026 Foam Talent selection, representing an extraordinary new wave of image-makers shaping the future of photography. Following an extensive review process of a record 2,892 submissions from 107 countries, the Foam jury has selected 30 artists. For the first time, the Foam Talent Call welcomed artists of all ages in the early stages of their career and introduced two categories: Foam Talent and Foam Talent Runners-up. Together, these 30 artists represent new directions in photography with an emphasis on work that challenges conventions and reflects the complexity of contemporary experience.

The submissions of Foam Talent Call 2026 reflect a remarkably wide range of narratives, perspectives, and artistic approaches. All together the 2,892 submissions, which include 5,784 projects and 55,303 images, touch upon some of the most resonant themes in photography and society today. At a time marked by constant global change and uncertainty, many of the projects address themes such as political oppression, mental health, religion and faith, displacement, and the search for cultural identity. Technological developments are also represented prominently in the submissions, with Artificial Intelligence emerging as both an artistic tool and a subject of examination in itself. Hailing from 22 different countries, the 30 selected artists demonstrate a strong commitment to storytelling across a variety of photographic expressions. Through the use of powerful visual language, their works often connect to a notion of belonging – the search for a safe space, whether found within the home, family, community, or a sense of place, is an underlying thread that surfaces in different ways.

The biennial Foam Talent programme offers emerging artists the opportunity to enter the spotlight of the international photography world. For this edition, Foam has expanded the Foam Talent platform to include a wider spectrum of emerging artists from across the globe. Alongside the 15 artists that are selected for the full Foam Talent 2026 programme, an additional 15 emerging talents will be recognised under a newly introduced category: Foam Talent Runners-up. For the selected Foam Talents this includes an exhibition at Foam’s museum in Amsterdam, a publication in Foam Magazine’s Talent Issue #68 (both in print and online), and a presentation at Deutsche Börse Photography Foundation in Frankfurt. Throughout the Foam Talent programme, the artists will take part in mentoring sessions and have the opportunity to connect with curators, writers, artists, and peers, fostering lasting professional relationships within the international photography community. Each Talent edition, the work of one selected artist is acquired by Foam Talent partner Deutsche Börse Photography Foundation. This is one of the most prestigious collections of contemporary photography. The 15 selected Foam Talent Runners-up are positioned as next ones-to-watch and will be featured on Foam’s editorial platforms including Foam Magazine’s Talent issue in print and online.

Foam Talents 2026

Sean Cham, Yiding Chen, Sara De Brito Faustino, Liubov Durakova, Nad E Ali, Nazanin Hafez, Paola Jimenez, Ramona Jingru Wang, Daniel Mebarek, Ali Monis Naqvi, Alvin Ng, Adam Rouhana, Ammar Yassir, Farren van Wyk, Sasha Velichko

Foam Talent Runners-up 2026

Hady Barry, Manuel Bayo Gisbert, Harlan Bozeman, Bruce Eesly, Fidelio Faustino, Jenna Garrett, Mahmoud Abu Hamda, Byron Mohammad Hamzah, Rayane Jemaa, Aubin Mukoni, Radha Rathi, Fatemeh Rezaei, Varvara Uhlik, J.A. Young, Ali Zaraay

About Foam Talent

Since 2007, the Foam Talent programme has been the core step in Foam’s ongoing commitment to scout, present and support talented image-makers worldwide. Since then, it has become one of the most prestigious international open calls for emerging photographers; helping to launch the careers of numerous artists around the world by giving their work exposure and recognition. Past Foam Talents include internationally recognised artists such as Taryn Simon, Anouk Kruithof, Philip Montgomery, Carmen Winant, Olgaç Bozalp, Sara Cywnar, Jack Davison, Myriam Boulos, Vasantha Yogananthan and many more. 

Foam Talent 2026 is on view from 6 June – 26 August 2026 at Foam. The Foam Talent magazine issue will launch alongside the opening of the exhibition. Open daily 10 am – 6 pm, Thu/Fri 10am – 9pm.