Theme: Belonging - Every Story Matters

From 10 September to 06 October  

For Applications and Registration, follow the below links:  

Adult Application Form 

Teen Application Form  

AI Generative Application Form 

As part of the 11th Qatar UK Festival 2026, the British Council is proud to launch Belonging: Every Story Matters, a Photography Competition delivered in partnership with Tasweer Photo Festival, Media City Qatar, Qatar Museums, Years of Culture and Teen Hub. 

The 11th Qatar UK Festival 2026, taking place from 25 November to 6 December 2026, celebrates the enduring friendship and cultural ties between Qatar and the United Kingdom. Delivered in partnership with the British Embassy and supported by a wide network of local partners, the festival connects UK and Qatari people and ideas through inclusive programming that combines artistic excellence, education, innovation, and skills development. 

This year's edition shines a spotlight on the Creative Industries, highlighting the power of culture, creativity, entrepreneurship, and emerging technologies to inspire talent, promote sustainability, and strengthen international collaboration in line with Qatar National Vision 2030. 

 As part of this celebration, "Belonging: Every Story Matters" invites photographers, artists, creatives, and emerging talents to explore the meaning of belonging through photography and AI-generated imagery. Whether through traditional photography, or innovative AI tools.  

Participants are encouraged to tell powerful visual stories that reflect the people, places, cultures, memories, and experiences that shape their sense of identity and connection. 

This competition aims to showcase creative talent, encourage artistic experimentation, and explore the evolving role of image-making in contemporary culture. It provides a platform for participants to share diverse perspectives and demonstrate how visual storytelling can foster understanding, celebrate individuality, and strengthen community connections. 

Important Dates: 

Application dates: From 10 September to 06 October 2026 

Deadline: 06 October 2026

To inspire photographers, artists, and creative technologists to create compelling visual narratives that explore what it means to belong to a place, a community, a culture, a memory, or even an imagined future. Through photography and AI-generated imagery, participants are invited to reflect on the bonds that connect people to their environments and to one another. 

"Belonging: Every Story Matters" explores the universal human need for connection, identity, and purpose. It encourages participants to consider how people find, create, lose, or redefine their sense of belonging in a rapidly changing world. 

Adults

  • Open to photographers aged 18 and above residing in Qatar. 
  • Focus Areas: Community and cultural identity; family and social connections; everyday moments of belonging; places that foster connection; personal stories and experiences. 

How to Apply

  • Fill out the form and upload your best shot 
  • One photograph per participant (JPEG/JPG,3000px,300dpi) 

Teens

  • Open to photographers aged 13–17 years, residing in Qatar. 
  • Focus Areas: School life and friendships; family and community; youth, culture and identity; hobbies, interests, and shared experiences; what "Belonging: Every Story Matters" means to the next generation. 

How to Apply 

  • Fill out the form and upload your best shot 
  • One photograph per participant (JPEG/JPG,3000px,300dpi) 

AI Generative

  • Open to Adults:18 years and above residing in Qatar.
  • Focus: Participants are encouraged to explore identity, community, culture, connection, and belonging through innovative uses of generative AI. Whether inspired by personal experiences, collective memories, cultural heritage, or imagined futures, submissions should present a creative and meaningful interpretation of the theme. Showcase your creativity, storytelling, and innovative use of generative AI tools.

How to Apply

  • Fill out the form & upload your best work 
  • File Naming Convention: AI_FullName_Title.jpg 
  • One image per participant  
  • File Requirements: JPEG or PNG, 300 DPI, minimum 3000px on shortest side. 

To be included in the application form  

  • Your Original AI prompt(s) 
  • A 100-word concept statement explaining your idea and how it relates to Belonging-Every Story Matters. 

We encourage submissions that: 

  • Tell a compelling visual story. 
  • Demonstrate creativity and originality. 
  • Capture authentic moments and emotions. 
  • Reflect diverse interpretations of the theme Belonging: Every Story Matters. 
  • Celebrate cultural connections and shared human experiences.

• Creativity & Originality – A unique and imaginative interpretation of the theme.  

• Storytelling – The ability to communicate a compelling narrative about belonging, identity, and human connection.  

• Cultural & Emotional Depth – Images that reflect meaningful cultural, emotional, or personal experiences.  

• Visual Impact & Composition – Strong use of composition, lighting, colour, framing, and perspective.  

• Emotional Engagement – Photographs that inspire thought, empathy, or emotional connection.  

• Technical Quality – Effective photographic technique and presentation.  

• Ethical Standards – Respect for privacy and consent is essential. Any violation may result in disqualification.  

• Originality & Copyright – All submissions must be the photographer's original work and free from copyright or intellectual property infringements.  

• Usage Rights: British Council reserves the right to publish/use all submitted photographs while respecting the photographer’s copyright.  

• Submission Rule: One photograph per category is allowed per participant.  

• Adults & Teens Categories: Submissions must be original photographs; digital edits and AI-generated content are not permitted. 

• AI Category: Submissions must be created using AI tools and entered only in the AI category. 

• All entries must comply with the competition guidelines and eligibility requirements. 

• Photographers must be in Qatar.

  • The top three winners in each category will be recognised at a special award ceremony as part of the Qatar UK Festival 2026.
  • Exceptional talents will be rewarded with valuable prizes, certificates of recognition and public exhibition features.  
  • Selected artworks will be featured across the British Council's and partner organisations' platform.

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