Encontros da Imagem, with more than thirty years of existence, is a non-profit cultural association, that promotes annually an International Photography and Visual Arts Festivalin the city of Braga, Portugal.

The 28th editionwill take place from the 21st of September to the 28th of October in Braga, with parallel exhibitions happening in Barcelos, Guimarães and Porto.

Once more the festival has developed an eclectic programme celebrating emerging and established artists, classic and contemporary photography and visual arts.

The inspiration for this years’ festival Encontros de Imagem, came from a series of interviews produced by the Dutch Director Wim Kayzer, which invites the viewer to reflect on the concepts of “Beauty and Consolation”. The festival will present various photographic exhibits under this theme, presenting national and international photographers in several public and private spaces (historical and monumental buildings, museums, galleries and others).

Encontros da Imagem will promote an open call for the Discovery Awards,where the winners have the opportunity to exhibit their work during the festival and will also organize EMERGENTES 2018 – International Photography Award Encontros da Imagem. This prize, 5.000€ for the best Photography Portfolio is awarded after the Portfolio Review, which gives photographers the opportunity to show their work to an international jury, composed by commissioners, gallery owners and expert editors, thus establishing solid foundations for the promotion of their work. The program for this festival will also include conferences, projections, concerts, performances, workshops and events connected with photography books.

Encontros da Imagem is a cultural photographic reference in Portugal, and has reached a prominent position in the international panorama, being currently one of the oldest photography festivals in Europe.