“I believe in evidence. I believe in observation, measurement, and reasoning, confirmed by independent observers. I'll believe anything, no matter how wild and ridiculous, if there is evidence for it. The wilder and more ridiculous something is, however, the firmer and more solid the evidence will have to be.”

                                                                                                                                        - Isaac Asimov

Photography was once considered the most accurate way to record truth. The photograph acted as a solid piece of evidence; indisputable proof of something, someone or somewhere. Since its discovery, photography has been employed as a silent witness to ideas, capturing events and representing a trace of the world.

Today, every two minutes, we take as many photos as the entirety of humanity took during the 1800s. On a daily basis, we use photography to evidence our lives; routines, friends, meals, encounters. Millions of seemingly insignificant moments are recorded and shared online, creating inconclusive portraits of individuals, places and events.

We can no longer consider a photograph an evidential document in every case. It can equally misrepresent reality as much as it reveals truths; questioning the historic phrase “the camera never lies”.

We are interested in the evidence of your ideas, your lives and the lives of others, today and throughout history. We are inviting submissions which explore the boundaries of photography and its connection to our festival theme, EVIDENCE, in original and genuine ways.

We are looking for submissions from across the medium of photography and beyond for the next edition of FORMAT International Photography Festival, taking place from 13th March – 12th April 2015, in Derby, UK. Submissions are welcome from artists/photographers, curators, collectives, archives, independent publishers and performers.

There are opportunities to show different kinds of works: wall based, installation, public space, screen based, interactive, digital, participatory, workshop and event based. Tell us more in the application form! All we ask is that you connect with the theme and photography/still image.

We are open to broad interpretations of the theme.

Think openly about the definition of the theme and you are welcome to take it in any direction you think relates.

Challenge us!