The City of Charleston Office of Cultural Affairs announces Call for Submissions

The City of Charleston's Office of Cultural Affairs announces a Call for Submissions for The Message is Clear: A Mentored Photography Exhibition. This unique opportunity pairs juried exhibition with mentorship from internationally acclaimed photographer Nigel Parry.

The Message is Clear: A Mentored Photography Exhibition is a groundbreaking opportunity that combines artistic recognition with professional mentorship. The exhibition will run from February through May 2026 at City Gallery and is open to photographers of all experience levels throughout South Carolina. This exceptional program will select up to 10 photographers whose work will be featured in a juried exhibition at City Gallery. Selected artists will receive professional mentorship from internationally renowned photographer Nigel Parry through two in-person sessions, including both one-on-one and group opportunities.

About the Juror and Mentor

Nigel Parry is an internationally acclaimed photographer whose distinguished career spans editorial, fine art, and commercial photography. His work has appeared in major publications including Vanity Fair, The New York Times Magazine, and Rolling Stone, and is held in the collections of the National Portrait Galleries in both Washington, DC and London. Parry's portraits of cultural icons and world leaders have become part of the contemporary photographic canon, while his dream-like, abstract landscapes were featured in a solo exhibition at City Gallery in 2024. "Nigel Parry's commitment to mentorship makes this an extraordinary opportunity for South Carolina photographers," said Anne Quattlebaum of City Gallery. "Participants will gain invaluable insights from one of the medium's most respected practitioners."

Exhibition and Mentorship Details

Selected photographers will participate in an exclusive mentorship program featuring:

• Two in-person mentoring sessions with Nigel Parry (first session: late 2025; second session: early 2026)
• Both individual and group mentoring opportunities
• Professional printing of all selected work by Redux Contemporary Art Center
• Artists will receive their prints at the close of the exhibition

Eligibility and Submission Information

Eligibility:

• Open to current South Carolina residents only
• All experience levels and ages welcome

• Submitted work must have been created within the past two years
• All photographic approaches and genres welcome

Note: The exhibition requires two mandatory in-person meetings in Charleston. Photographers outside the Lowcountry are encouraged to consider distance and expenses when applying.

Submission Guidelines:

• Deadline: October 31, 2025
• Number of Images: Up to 10 images per artist
• Submission Fee: $20
• Apply online

Artists will be notified of their selection status in mid-November 2025. For questions regarding the submission process, please contact: Anne Quattlebaum, Gallery Manager at [email protected]

This exhibition is made possible through the generous support of Redux Contemporary Art Center, who will be printing all selected works.

About City Gallery

City Gallery, located at Joe Riley Waterfront Park, is owned by the City of Charleston and operated by the City of Charleston Office of Cultural Affairs, presenting an annual program of exhibitions and events featuring the finest contemporary art from local, regional, national and international artists, with a focus on the Lowcountry. City Gallery is located at 34 Prioleau St. in downtown Charleston, and gallery hours of operation are noon until 5pm, Thursday through Sunday. For more information and holiday closures, visit www.charleston-sc.gov/citygallery or call 843-958-6484.