Applications open today for the photography contest “Autonomous Region of the Azores – 50 Years of Autonomy,” a joint initiative by the Assembly of the Legislative Assembly of the Autonomous Region of the Azores and the Associação de Fotógrafos Amadores dos Açores. The competition is part of the official commemorations marking the 50th anniversary of the Azores’ constitutional autonomy.

The contest aims to highlight this milestone in the consolidation of the region’s political, cultural, and social identity. Participants are invited to reflect on the theme “Being Azores,” exploring it through a lens that bridges past, present, and future—where tradition meets transformation.

The competition is open to anyone aged 18 or older, whether amateur or professional photographers, and regardless of residency in the Autonomous Region of the Azores. Participation is free, and each entrant may submit up to four original photographs. All entries must be the participant’s own work and must not have been previously published or submitted to other competitions.

Submissions must be sent by 11:59 p.m. on August 31, 2026, to autonomia50@afaa.pt, in accordance with the technical requirements outlined in the official regulations, including specifications related to format, size, and anonymity.

The jury will consist of five experienced photographers: Rui Caria, Luís Godinho, and Pepe Brix representing AFAA, alongside Hélio Silveira and Isabel Nolasco representing the regional parliament.

A total of 20 photographs will be selected for exhibition, which will open on October 20 at the Assembly’s atrium in Horta. Among the selected works, three cash prizes will be awarded: €500 for first place, €300 for second, and €200 for third.

Entries will be judged based on criteria such as thematic relevance, visual impact, technical quality, composition, and the message conveyed.

The full set of rules and submission guidelines is available on the official website of the Assembly of the Legislative Assembly of the Autonomous Region of the Azores.

Through this initiative, ALRAA and AFAA reaffirm their commitment to civic participation and artistic expression, inviting the public to celebrate the Azores’ 50 years of autonomy through the powerful language of photography.

From Press Release