Frequently asked questions

We ask you to fill in two forms:
Online here. This registration makes our work easier and helps us to match the postal entries.
The printed form (Page 5 from this PDF) must accompany the work sent in by post.

There are different entry fees depending on the chosen deadline and country of origin:
Incoming mail until 15.11.2022: Domestic/EU 25 € or other countries 30 €
Incoming mail until 29.11.2022: Domestic/EU 35 € or other countries 40 €

The annual topic of the festival 2023 is »Tilt/Shift – Experiment as Normality«. More Information: Follow this link >KLICK<

Here you can find the application documents (PDF 124 KB).

Bank transfer to the account:
kulturprojekte.xyz – DTdF
IBAN DE08 5085 0150 0000 8523 41
BIC HELADEF1DAS

The requested transfer confirmation can also be a screenshot or PDF from online banking. Cash payment is not possible.

Incoming mail until 15.11.2022

The last possible date for receipt of mail is 29.11.2022.
Additional costs of € 10 will be incurred here.

The Merck-Preis is announced and carried out by the non-profit organisation »Darmstädter Tage der Fotografie« (DTdF). The company Merck KGaA is the sponsor of the prize – but is not itself active as an awarding institution.

The actual organisation of the festival and all production and exhibition costs associated with the competition exceed the share that can be raised through sponsorship. In addition, funds from foundations and public sponsors flow into the overall budget of the festival. At the same time, we organisers are always required to make a contribution of our own. Among other things, the participation fee is such a contribution.

Running a contemporary photography competition with an experienced jury and the option of a (paid) exhibition opportunity with the prospect of a prize is, despite sponsorship – and participation fee – a subsidy business.

The actual exhibiting artists receive a multiple of the participation fee back in the form of
• assumption of the production costs,
• travel expenses and accommodation,
• transport costs,
• catalogue share,
• PR in various channels,
• an exhibition with a vernissage,
• supporting programme and participation in the symposium – as well as a great network.

Every programme submitted is valued. Participation with a fee underlines the seriousness of the submitters.

Not to be underestimated is the fact that all submitted portfolios are viewed by all curators, who in turn can draw on their (thereby expanded fundus) in other contexts.

There are free and fee-based competitions.

We have decided to charge an entry fee for the above reasons – and look forward to receiving your entry!