UNESCO - 9th International Photography Prize

• UNESCO

• Deadline: May 11th, 2025

• Prize: €4,000 + Traveling Exhibition

• Theme: Heritage and the Sustainability

• Entry Fees: Free

• REGISTRATION: CLOSED. Click HERE for more Opportunities

The Extremadura Association for UNESCO is excited to unveil the ninth edition of the Santiago Castelo International Photography Prize, a heartfelt tribute to Santiago Castelo, the founding president of the association and an influential figure in promoting cultural dialogue in the Iberian Peninsula. His legacy continues through this initiative, which blends creativity, cultural appreciation, and regional pride.

This photography prize has steadily grown into a symbol of cross-border cooperation, reflecting the deep ties and shared heritage between Spain and Portugal. In particular, it celebrates the unity of the EUROACE Euroregion—a vast and richly diverse area made up of Extremadura in Spain, and Alentejo and Centro in Portugal. The competition encourages photographers to freely explore and interpret this territory, capturing images that tell stories of its landscapes, traditions, monuments, and people.

What makes this region especially compelling is its incredible variety. Spanning one-sixth of the Iberian Peninsula, EUROACE offers everything from the dramatic Atlantic coastlines to the tranquil dehesas (pasturelands) that stretch across Alentejo and Extremadura. It’s a land where ancient cities and world-renowned heritage sites—such as Mérida’s Roman ruins, the medieval quarters of Cáceres and Évora, the fortified beauty of Elvas, the spiritual depth of Guadalupe, and the academic legacy of Coimbra—come together to form a tapestry of culture, nature, and history. The prize invites artists to delve into this richness and share their personal visual interpretations with the world.