3rd Edition of The Portfolio Parade by MIA Photo Fair BNP Paribas 2026

• MIA Photo Fair BNP Paribas 2026

• Deadline: January 15th, 2026

• Category: Contemporary Photography

• Prize: Exhibition in Milan + Publication + Residency in Italy

• Entry Fees: Yes

• REGISTRATION: CLICK HERE

Get ready for something extraordinary at the MIA Photo Fair BNP Paribas 2026. For the third year in a row, visionary Dutch artist, curator, and storyteller Erik Kessels returns with an exciting side program devoted to emerging photographers and bold new ideas.

Through a global open call, Kessels is on the lookout for 50 portfolios that surprise, provoke, and inspire — works that challenge how we see photography and how photography sees the world. Artists everywhere are invited to submit their projects and join an international showcase of originality and experimentation.

The selected works will be featured in a playful, unconventional installation designed by Kessels himself. True to his creative spirit, the exhibition will push the boundaries of what a photo show can be — more interactive, more surprising, and more alive. Visitors will discover a space that celebrates curiosity, storytelling, and the joy of seeing things differently.

Running from March 19–22, 2026, at SUPERSTUDIOPIÙ (via Tortona 27, Milan), THE PORTFOLIO PARADE focuses on the intersection of art, collecting, and innovation. The project underscores the importance of elevating new artistic voices and giving every participant an equal platform to shine before an international audience of collectors, curators, and photo enthusiasts.

By breaking away from conventional presentation models, Kessels’ Portfolio Parade transforms the act of viewing photography into an experience — one that’s as spontaneous and diverse as the artists themselves.