APPLY
Welcome to applications for the eleventh edition of PHOTOFAIRS Shanghai, the leading art fair in Asia dedicated to photography and digital artworks, which returns to the Shanghai Exhibition Centre from May 7-10, 2026. The Fair welcomes presentations of contemporary photography, moving-image, installations and new technologies (such as VR and AI), as well as works by classic masters.
Selection for participation is based on the curatorial strength and premise of the gallery’s application proposal, exhibition program and roster of represented artists. Criteria such as the quality of the artworks, previous art fair presentations, and any associated projects undertaken by the gallery are central to a successful application.
Application deadline: January 31, 2026. For further information, please contact [email protected].
*Note: An application fee of 1200 CNY is required as a non-refundable contribution via bank transfer. Upon acceptance, this amount will be offset against the booth fee, reflecting our shared commitment to a successful partnership.
REVIEW FROM EXHIBITORS AND MEDIA
Over the past decade, we have witnessed the fair's evolution from a local platform for emerging talents to an international stage gathering leading galleries from around the world. The enduring enthusiasm of established collectors, combined with the eager anticipation on the faces of new collectors, vividly outlines the vibrant vitality of the art market.
PHOTOFAIRS Shanghai is a lively fair in a beautiful building in one of the world’s most dynamic cities. It is a place to immerse yourself in the cross-cultural dialogues surrounding creative photography, to discover some of the best Asian image-makers, and to make new colleagues and friends.
PHOTOFAIRS Shanghai brings together a thoughtfully curated selection of galleries, artists, and special projects from across China, offering visitors an unparalleled opportunity to experience the richness and diversity of contemporary Chinese photography
After a decade, photo-based art in Shanghai has gained more dimensions. On one hand, the audience base has expanded; on the other, their artistic appreciation continues to deepen. Prior to the opening, a significant number of works in the booths had already been sold. Alongside the classic works by masters like Henri Cartier-Bresson, Marc Riboud, and Elliott Erwitt commonly seen at the fair, more artists are turning their perspectives to shape the mundane of daily life. There are new institutions, emerging photographers, and expanded creative methods, all expressing reflections on contemporary life through different avenues.
As a long-term participating gallery, we are delighted to observe the refreshing new dynamism evident in the tenth edition of PHOTOFAIRS Shanghai. The atmosphere was more energetic, audience engagement more active, and the overall arrangement compact and well-organized, projecting a sense of momentum.
The tenth edition of PHOTOFAIRS Shanghai exudes a new energy. Through its diverse exhibition sectors, it showcases the varied trends within photo-based art. As a significant platform for photography, the fair is fostering the maturation of more outstanding creators and content within the art market.
For DECK’s first participation at PHOTOFAIRS Shanghai, it was an energising and vibrant platform for our organisation to present Singaporean photographic artworks to a new and diverse audience. The fair not only provided exposure for the artists we represent, but also served as a valuable meeting point for potential collaborations and international exchange. We look forward to building on this momentum and continuing to foster connections within the global photography community.
PHOTOFAIRS Shanghai presents both individual experiences under social transformation and works dedicated to integrating personal history into classical narratives. It features photographers with a strong curiosity for the impact of technological innovation, weaving visual and textual elements to explore the integration of cultural heritage and emerging technologies, alongside emerging talents who elevate the modern forms of imagery, focusing their practice on a return to tradition and classicism.