ENCOUNTER THE REeL 2026
Black and White 35mm film collective exhibit
Experiencing challenges are a substantial part of life that exists in the overlapping identities of ALANNAI women/non-binary/LGBTQ+ people who partake in photography. To take some challenges away Grainy Daze Studios is opening our studio to foster creativity and allow more people who may have never had an opportunity for an exhibition.
Grainy Daze Studios is looking for photographers who want to participate in a group exhibit. It will be a themed exhibit chosen by us as a collective, with each photographer making a 10 image series to be on display in October 2026.
Important Dates to Remember
- Submission Updated Deadline: March 21, 2026
- Artist notified in: April 2026
- Physical Exhibit: Estimated October 2026
Guidelines for Applying
Photographer
Guidelines
Applicant must be 18+
Women/Non-binary/LGBTQIA+ Identifying
Individual photographer
Living in the Merrimack Valley area, priority given to those in the following cities: Lawrence, Lowell, Haverhill, Methuen
Must be available to work on series for at least 4 hours a week until exhibition.
Willingness to complete a body of work in it's entirety and ready for exhibit.
Must own 35mm Film camera
ALAANAI: African, Latinx, Asian, Arab, Native American, & Indigenous Peoples
Exhibit
Guidelines
Must be original work created for the theme of the exhibit.
Artist Statement regarding work
Artist Bio
A total of 10 images for the series
Descriptions and titles for images
Available for exhibit install
What happens if you are chosen to participate?
Final artist chosen:
We will meet to decide what the theme of the exhibit will be.
Each photographer will then decide on their images they would like to create.
All photographers will have access to our studio space, and equipment to help create your final images.
Guided help on artist statements, artist bio's, artist CV
Final images will be printed in studio
All artist who apply: Will receive an email of decision
01.
For the finalist chosen our first meet will be in person to get to know everyone. We will collectively choose the theme for the exhibit.
02.
We will meet in-person to get to know each other for the first 2 weeks.
Afterwards, we will meet every 2 weeks until exhibition date to update each other on progress and for accountability.
03.
You will also have an opportunity to help create a set and learn and create your own backdrop for future projects.
04.
You will be developing and scanning your own images and as the exhibit gets closer we will meet to print, sign and mount your images together.
Additional Information
- Each participant is required to be present for installation of exhibit.
- Each Participant is asked to promote marketing materials for exhibit.