Focus Group | Photography Exhibition + Publication

CALL INFO . Dama Gallery presents a photography specific exhibition titled "Focus Group". The concept behind the exhibition invites photographers and viewers alike to return to the physical presence of photography; to the stillness, intention, and tactile reality that can only be experienced in person. In an era dominated by digital speed and online aesthetics, this exhibition centers on the art of process and the experience of encountering a photograph in a gallery space. This exhibition highlights the journey behind each image: the eye that observes, the hand that frames, the decisions, processes, and craft that shape a photograph long before it reaches the wall. Whether created through digital or analog methods, experimental approaches or traditional practices, selected works will demonstrate photography’s capacity to be experienced, not just seen.

"Focus Group" celebrates photography as art with depth, story, and presence; images that carry their own weight, intention, and impact when displayed physically. This is a call to photographers who value process, craft, and the resonance of a printed, embodied work. A limited-edition publication will accompany the exhibition, featuring selected photographs and artists.

LOCATION . Dama Gallery’s Ventura gallery location sits at a unique crossroads; between Malibu and Ojai and within effortless reach of Los Angeles, making it an accessible and inspiring destination for a wide range of visitors. Since opening our doors in 2011, the Ventura space has anchored our presence and supported our continued expansion into Los Angeles (2019), Mexico City (2020), and Austin (2021). The gallery’s coastal setting attracts an eclectic mix of creatives, collectors, and travelers, allowing our exhibitions to engage audiences far beyond the local community. This location serves as a dynamic backdrop for the artists we present, offering an environment where their work can be experienced with clarity, context, and a strong connection to Southern California’s cultural flow.

EXHIBITION . FOCUS GROUP opens February 28, 2026, with an opening reception on Saturday, February 28th, from 6–8 PM. The exhibition runs through April 26, 2026. All selected artists and works will be featured on our website, sales platform, and social media channels.

SOLO FEATURES . In addition to individual photography selections for the gallery exhibit, Dama Gallery will select standout photographers for solo features in the publication. Selected artists will receive a feature spread in the exhibition publication, a three-month online exclusive solo presentation, and an in-depth interview to be released on the Gallery Podcast.

PUBLICATION . Artists chosen for this exhibition will be included in a full-color folio commemorating FOCUS GROUP. Each selected artist will receive a complimentary digital copy, while the printed edition will be available for purchase. Copies of the publication will be donated to the Fine Arts Library (FAL) at the University of Texas at Austin and to the LACMA Balch Art Research Library in Los Angeles for their permanent collections.

FOCUS GROUP CALL TIMELINE:

November 14th, 2025 - Call Opens
January 31st, 2026 - Final Call Deadline
February 2nd, 2026 - Final Notifications Sent
February 25th, 2026 - Last Day to Receive Artwork for Exhibition
February 28th, 2026 - Opening Reception
March 31st, 2026 - Publication Release
April 26th, 2026 - Exhibition Closes

CONSIDERATIONS . Entries are reviewed weekly based on weekly call deadlines. Selections and Notifications are made throughout the length of call. Early entries are encouraged.

CALL FEE . Basic media fee is $45 for 5 images. Additional media may be added, the cost is $5 per image. No more than 20 images can be added. The curator's time plays a crucial role in shaping our selections. Fees are allocated to reflect the curator's efforts, encompassing portfolio reviews, submission consultations, exhibition publications, artist stipends, juror honorariums, gallery interns, and other essential expenses integral to the meticulous curation, strategic marketing, and seamless execution of our extensive and ongoing exhibition program.

COMMISSION . Dama Gallery adheres to the industry norm of a 50% commission, retaining half of the sale proceeds.

REMITTANCE . Sales remittance to the artist occurs 5-7 business days after close of sale and/or upon buyer payment finalization to Dama Gallery (whichever finalizes first). A detailed remittance statement is promptly

NOTIFICATIONS . Ongoing notifications are sent via the EntryThingy communications email server throughout the month, with final decisions and notifications being dispatched at the curator's discretion. Final notifications will be no later than February 2nd, 2026.

CONTACT - You may send a courteous email to j.kent@damagallery for all inquiries regarding this call (questions about your status, late entries, additional entries, submission changes, etc.) Be sure to include the name on your EntryThingy account and date of submission.

VISIT - www.damagallery.com | IG - @damagalleries

ABOUT DAMA GALLERY . Dama Gallery is a contemporary art institution dedicated to pushing the boundaries of artistic expression. We proudly maintain one of the few established gallery programs that extend exhibition opportunities to non-represented artists, offering a platform for both emerging and established voices. Through exhibitions, artist talks, panel discussions, residencies, and publications, Dama Gallery fosters discovery, innovation, and dialogue within the contemporary art landscape.

We embrace an inclusive ethos, acknowledging that exceptional artistic expression transcends boundaries. By carefully curating exhibitions that highlight diversity of media, style, and perspective, Dama Gallery cultivates a rich, ongoing dialogue between artists, curators, collectors, and the public. Our commitment ensures that every artist’s voice can resonate authentically within their chosen space, contributing to the ever-evolving narrative of contemporary art.