KG＋ Kyoto 2027 International Photo and Media-Art Open Call: November 1 Start, ¥18,000 Entry
KYOTOGRAPHIE-associated international art event
KG＋, the photography and visual-art satellite festival of KYOTOGRAPHIE in Kyoto, Japan, has announced its fifteenth edition for 2027. Artists and curators of any nationality, age, profession or experience level may propose photography exhibitions and related moving-image or installation works incorporating photographic elements. The planned public festival dates are 17 April to 16 May 2027. KG＋ is a participant-organised exhibition programme, rather than a festival that automatically supplies an exhibition venue to every selected artist. Its separate KG＋SELECT programme has a different application pathway.
Applications have not opened yet
Applications open on 1 November 2026 and end on 31 December at 11:59 p.m. Japan Standard Time. The notice appeared on 26 October; as of 28 October the official entry form and payment page are scheduled to become available only when the application period starts. A submission costs ¥18,000, non-refundable whether accepted or rejected. Applicants receive one KYOTOGRAPHIE 2027 festival passport per application. Available payment methods will include credit card, bank transfer and PayPal. Do not assume that an unofficial advance payment reserves a place.
Provide your own Kyoto exhibition venue
The critical requirement is that each applicant must secure their own exhibition venue within Kyoto City BEFORE applying, supported by a written permission document with the venue representative, address, permission statement and official seal or stamp. An exhibition must be open to the public for at least nine days within the festival window, excluding closed days, and at least one opening day must fall on a Saturday, Sunday or Japanese holiday. Both indoor and outdoor venues are permitted. Venue rental and artwork installation costs should not be assumed to be covered by KG＋.
Bilingual documents and selection
All required textual materials must be in both Japanese and English, including the exhibition title, an exhibition statement of up to 600 Japanese characters plus English translation, artist biography and venue information. Applicants need venue photographs, a dimensioned floor plan, an installation plan, a signed venue agreement, artwork documentation, an artist portrait and a promotional image. Up to twenty artwork images may be sent at around 300dpi, or appropriate hosted video links. Selection notices are expected by late January 2027, with early applicants by 30 November notified sooner and final categories published in early February. Full official call: https://kgplus.kyotographie.jp/en/topics/30115/ .