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2026 SPE Annual Conference

Catalyst for Exchange

Society for Photographic Education   /   Deadline: 04/20/25

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Everyone concedes that photography is now a medium of exchange as much as a mode of documentation. A digital snapshot is meant primarily as a means of communication, and the images being sent are as ephemeral as speech. — Geoffrey Batchen

At its core, communication revolves around connection—a mutual space for exchanging meaningful and relevant information. As photographers, we can use images to challenge assumptions, dismantle barriers, and spark meaningful conversations. In today's rapidly changing world, social, academic, and cultural systems are being reshaped at a pace that often leaves little room for reflection or dialogue. These shifts demand new apporaches and open exchanges considering indiviudal and collective experiences.

Photography provides a powerful platform for these exchanges. By capturing and sharing stories through images, we create opportunities to engage with others, foster understanding, and address the most pressing issues of our time.

Please join us in Atlanta, Georgia, from March 19 - March 21, 2026, to strengthen our community as artists and educators collaboratively. Session proposals are welcome from all perspectives, including fine art, scholarly, scientific, commercial, editorial, documentary, and process-based photography. The conference aims to explore how photography can catalyze essential conversations and inspire collaboration while opening this necessary dialogue to others.

Catalyst for Exchange will have a Call for Sessions/Session Chairs, Workshops, Indivdual Presentations, and Student Presentations from March 20 - April 20, 2025, followed by a Call for Participation from June 15 - July 15, 2025.

This conference is specifically interested in presentations and exchanges in multiple-presentation formats built from any of these subcategories:

Art Administration
Art Education
Art History
Collaboration and Building Community
Change in the Classroom
Commercial Photography
Curatorial Studies
Documentary Photography
Editorial Photography
Identity and Representation
Photographic Art
Photographic Scholarship
Place-based Investigations
Scientific Photography
Shaping the Future
Social Justice & Advocacy
Studio Art

Location

Atlanta, Georgia

Fees

$12.00

Eligibility

Everyone is eligible to apply.

Requirements

If your proposal is accepted you must be an active member of SPE by December 15, 2025, and in order to present you also must be registered for the conference.

Awards

Imagemaker Award - The proposal that receives the highest ranking during the peer review process will be awarded the Imagemaker Award. The recipient will receive a 1-year membership to SPE, conference registration waiver, and cash prize.

High School Educator Award - The proposal that received the highest ranking during the peer review process that belongs to a member of our High School Educator Caucus will receive the High School Educator Award. The recipient will receive a 1-year membership to SPE, Conference Registration Wavier, and a cash prize.

Contact Information

Toni Roberts
2298 PMB 1097 Young Ave
Memphis , TN 38104

W: http://spenational.slideroom.com
E: atl2026@spenational.org