LONDON.- The exhibiting artists for the 167th edition of the Royal Photographic Society’s International Photography Exhibition (IPE), the world’s longest-running photography exhibition, have been announced. Renowned for showcasing the diversity of contemporary photography from around the world, the works will be on display at London’s Saatchi Gallery from Friday 7th August to Friday 11th September 2026.
More than 5200 photographers, both amateur and professional, submitted work for consideration in the 167th IPE open call. 113 prints from 48 photographers were selected by a guest panel for inclusion in the exhibition.
The IPE has always reflected the times and this year’s submissions are no exception with many photographers focussing on themes that include environmental issues; identity; conflict, memory, community; family; and culture, as well as using alternative processes to create the work, thus showing how contemporary photographers engage with and capture aspects of the world that are not only visually compelling but also socially and culturally significant. The diverse ages and backgrounds of the submitting photographers further reflects the universality of photography as a medium.
With this edition showing at Saatchi Gallery, London, for the second year in a row, more people than ever will be able to view the work and appreciate the broad range of photography and themes captured in the final selection. Last year’s exhibition at Saatchi Gallery attracted more than 65,000 visitors. The 167th IPE will tour to Taunton Museum (24 October 2026–9 January 2027) and then onto the Royal Geographical Society, London (5–28 April 2027).
Additionally theprintspace, who proudly support the IPE, will host a special, one-night-only showcase exhibition from 7 to 10 pm on Thursday 20th August 2026 at their space in Shoreditch, coinciding with World Photography Week. This will be followed by two daytime talks on Friday 21st August about the many options available for printing works. All artwork for this event will be printed in-house, highlighting the bespoke printing services theprintspace provides for artists and photographers.
Victoria Humphries, CEO of the RPS comments: “Photography has a unique ability to bring people together, and the RPS International Photography Exhibition 167 is a wonderful example of that in action. This year's exhibition showcases work from photographers across the world, from every stage of their photographic journey, united by a shared passion for seeing and interpreting the world through a lens.
As an organisation, we believe that photography is for everyone. Those words are reflected in the breadth of submissions we received from both RPS members and non-members, and in the diversity of stories, perspectives and experiences represented in the final selection.
What I find most inspiring about this exhibition is the reminder that, wherever we live and whatever our background, photography helps us communicate ideas, emotions and moments that resonate far beyond ourselves. IPE167 celebrates not only outstanding images, but the global photographic community that continues to create, connect and inspire through photography.”
The selection panel of experts consisted of Jaskirt Dhaliwal-Boora is a multi-disciplinary artist with a socially engaged practice; Lydia Goldblatt a British photographic artist based in London and previous recipient of the IPE 166 award; Max Gorbatskyi curator at Open Eye Gallery in Liverpool, UK and co-founder of Ukrainian.Photographies; Irene Lombardo, Senior Cultural Manager for EMEA & Asia at Magnum Photos and photography consultant and historian, Dr Michael Pritchard.
The two award recipients for the 167th edition of the International Photography Exhibition have been announced, with Marcy Palmer, and Léa Chen receiving the honours. Marcy Palmer received the IPE Award for her series Seeds of Strength and Resilience, which explores the history and future of reproductive rights, asking: how have recent restrictions affected women's autonomy, and what will the future hold? The Under 30s Award was presented to Léa Chen for The Stars That Don't Look Back, which documents the intimate and private memories shared by three generations of women living in Taiwan.
On receiving the IPE award Marcy Palmer said: “My heart leapt and my eyes filled with tears upon reading my acceptance to the exhibition and receiving the IPE 167 Award. I am deeply honored and thrilled, thank you.”
On receiving the Under 30s IPE Award Léa Chen said: “I feel deeply grateful to receive this award. The RPS’s supportive and inspiring community has helped my work reach and be appreciated by a wider audience, which is more than I could have dreamed of. I am truly excited to see where this award will lead me, and how it will continue to fuel my creative journey.”
Billy-Jay Stoneman, RPS Curator & Head of Exhibitions, comments: “The International Photography Exhibition 167 brings together a diverse selection of photographic artists from across the globe. I am honoured to be part of the exhibition selection and development, a process where each dedicated selector carefully discussed and considered thousands of images.
The IPE 167 is full of powerful images and themes that spark important conversations and invite reflection on the world we live in today. The wide range of photographic processes featured in this edition celebrates the creativity and passion of the artists, encouraging audiences to immerse themselves in the artwork, stories and discover the 48 featured artists.”
