The RÊVE charity has announced that applications are now open for the third edition of The Dreamers photography competition, aimed at teenagers aged 12 to 16.
From 6 May, young photographers from across France will be able to submit their entries via the official website www.kids.thedreamers.life. The call for entries will close on 15 September 2026.
The Dreamers 2026: for the first time, the whole of France can take part!
Thanks to the support of the Sakura Endowment Fund, The Dreamers is opening up to the whole of France this year. Since its creation in 2024, the competition had been restricted to teenagers in the Greater Paris area. In 2026, any young photographer aged 12 to 16, wherever they live in France, can now apply.
What the Sakura Endowment Fund makes possible: the three winners (1st, 2nd and 3rd place) living outside the Greater Paris area will have a return train ticket paid for to attend the exhibition opening in Paris (3 December 2026) and to take part in the workshops.
Designated as part of the Bicentenary of Photography
In 2026, France will celebrate the bicentenary of the invention of photography. This project has been designated as part of the Bicentenary of Photography by the Ministry of Culture and forms part of the official programme for the Bicentenary, running from 1 September 2026 to 30 September 2027.
Theme and participation
This year’s theme is ‘The View from My Bedroom’, in tribute to Nicéphore Niépce, who took the first photograph in history from his bedroom window in 1826.
Entry requirements
The competition is free to enter and open to young people aged 12 to 16.
Each participant must submit four images, produced without external assistance (except for technical and educational support).
The use of artificial intelligence (AI) for photo editing and writing descriptions is prohibited. However, the use of Photoshop is permitted.
2026 Prizes
The selected series will be exhibited at Galerie La Moulinette, 81 bis rue Lepic, 75018 Paris, with a preview on Thursday 3 December 2026. The three winners of The Dreamers 2026 competition will receive:
A ‘Words and Images’ workshop led by Michel Poivert, professor at the Sorbonne. Organised by the Collège International de Photographie — amap studio, Paris 11th arrondissement — on Saturday 16 January 2027.
Workshop “Preparation and Sublimation of a Work, from A to Z” — an intensive one-day session with D Images and the Atelier Image Collée, specialists in sublimation and contemporary art framing. Each winner will leave with their photograph framed, ready for display.
The three winners of the special nomination The Dreamers x La Kabine will receive a training and a presentation of their work at the Festival OFF Arles 2027.
Important: thanks to the Sakura Fund, winners living outside the Greater Paris area will have their round trip train fare covered for the opening and training sessions in Paris. Accommodation is not included.
Timeline
Applications open: 6 May 2026
Applications close: 15 September 2026
Announcement of winners: October 2026
Exhibition opening: 6 December 2026 at 6pm – Galerie La Moulinette, Paris
Exhibition open to the public: 3–22 December 2026
