‘Art Shapes The Future’ – IFA, Fotografiska and Volkswagen R launch Open Call for Emerging Artists

Berlin, 20. May 2026 – IFA Berlin, Fotografiska Berlin, and Volkswagen R are entering into a new strategic partnership in 2026: Building on the successful collaboration between IFA and Fotografiska last year, the three partners are joining forces to strengthen the intersection of technology, art, and cultural discourse. The goal is to foster creative perspectives and bring innovation and artistic expression to life on a shared platform.

The focus is on the ‘Emerging Berlin’ program for emerging artists, which is part of the museum’s global ‘Fotografiska Emerging’ initiative and supports up-and-coming visual artists. The initiative is supported by IFA and Volkswagen R and makes the upcoming exhibitions possible.

In addition, as part of the new partnership, a joint open call titled ‘Art Shapes The Future’ will be held. Through the digital platform, emerging artists worldwide working in the fields of photography, videography, and AI-generated images and videos are invited to submit their works from June 1 to July 20, 2026 (12 p.m.). The three winners will receive extensive international visibility—both digitally and in print.

A platform for new perspectives

In an era of rapid technological and social change, visual culture can help us understand the present and shape the future. Under the motto ‘Art Shapes The Future’, IFA, Fotografiska, and Volkswagen R invite creatives to join this dialogue. They are seeking documentary, conceptual, or experimental works that artistically engage with technology in all its forms and explore the question of what it means to be human in a changing world.

Iconic examples from film and photography demonstrate that visual culture often anticipates technological developments: works such as “The Matrix”, “The Terminator”, and “Minority Report” envisioned digital systems, autonomous AI, and new forms of mobility long before these topics entered the public discourse. At the same time, photographs like Dorothea Lange’s “Migrant Mother” demonstrate how a single image can bring urgent realities to the public’s attention and inspire action.

‘Fotografiska Emerging’ offers emerging artists not only visibility but also the professional infrastructure needed to support them at crucial moments in their careers. As part of the call for entries by IFA, Fotografiska, and Volkswagen R, three artists will be honored. In addition to prize money of 1,500 euros each, the winners will benefit from exposure on the partners’ communication channels. A special highlight: The winning works will be presented to an international audience at IFA Berlin from September 4 to 8, 2026 — right where technological innovation meets cultural reflection.

Three perspectives, one shared goal

With the open call for the ‘Emerging Berlin’ program for emerging artists, IFA, Fotografiska, and Volkswagen R are sending a clear message about the power of the connection between art and innovation.

“The convergence of technology, design, and artistic expression opens up exciting new perspectives on developments that shape our everyday lives. Together with Fotografiska, with whom we are continuing our successful partnership for a second year, and with Volkswagen R as a new partner, we are creating a setting where these intersections can be experienced, creative inspiration can flourish, and forward-thinking ideas can be brought to an international audience. IFA is thus clearly demonstrating that it is not just a tech event, but also a cultural forum”, Leif Lindner, CEO, IFA Management GmbH.

“Volkswagen R stands for the combination of performance, innovation, and a progressive mindset”, says Reinhold Ivenz, Head of Volkswagen R.

Pedro Martinez Diaz, Head of Sales & Marketing at Volkswagen R, adds: “With ‘Art Shapes The Future,’ we are partnering with IFA and Fotografiska to create a platform where creative perspectives reflect on and actively shape technological change. We are convinced that the future emerges where technology meets cultural expression and new ways of thinking become possible.”

“With ‘Fotografiska Emerging’, we have created a platform that not only gives new talent a stage, but also provides them with the space to actively drive the current discourse forward. Our collaboration with IFA and Volkswagen R sends a powerful message: The future is shaped not only by code and technology, but by people who are brave enough to challenge the status quo. With ‘Art Shapes The Future’, we invite a new generation to shape global change with their ideas”, Yoram Roth, Executive Chairman, Fotografiska.

The partnership will kick off with the presentation of the five emerging artists from the ‘Emerging Berlin’ initiative and the opening of Bob Jones’ exhibition 587 Blitze on June 5, 2026, at Fotografiska Berlin. Free tickets for the subsequent Emerging Artist Party, which will feature live music and a DJ set, are available at the following link: Emerging Artist Party | Fotografiska Berlin | The Contemporary Museum of Photography, Art & Culture

Further information about the competition and open call is available here: https://emerging.fotografiska.com/missions/art-shapes-the-future

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