Debrecen4U
June 19, 2026
Debrecen to Host 1st Hungarian International Photography Grand Circuit Awards Gala and Exhibit
On June 25, Debrecen is hosting the ceremonial awards gala and major exhibition of the inaugural Hungarian Grand Circuit international photo competition. Held under the patronage of the International Federation of Photographic Art (FIAP), the Photographic Society of America (PSA), the World Federation of Hungarian Photographers, Art Portrait Saint Petersburg and Varadinum Oradea, the competition has emerged as a much-needed addition to the Central European photography scene.
Photographers from 57 countries submitted work, creating a final field of 3,627 images and bringing some of the finest examples of contemporary global photography to the city. From this extensive collection, a nine-member international jury was tasked with selecting the best entries across four categories: Open Colour, Open Monochrome, People and Photojournalism. Based on the decisions of the jury, comprising leading experts from Hong Kong, Russia, China, Germany, the United Arab Emirates, India and Hungary, the awards will be presented across three representative photographic salons: the King Matthias Salon, the Széchenyi Salon and the Saint Stephen Salon.
One of the competition’s key objectives was to challenge regional stereotypes, a goal the organisers believe has been successfully achieved. “We are often inclined to regard both Hungary and Romania as second-tier regions in the world of prestigious international competitions, where photographers tend to send their work to Germany or France if they seek serious recognition. With this circuit, we are breaking that stereotype,” said organiser and photographic artist Ovi D. Pop. “We have demonstrated that international participants do not look down on our region when the organisation is world-class. A large number of entries came from across the Carpathian Basin, with Romania and Hungary contributing the highest number of photographs,” he added.
The overall winner and Best International Photographer title went to Austrian photographer Josef Hinterleitner, who received seven awards from the jury. Hungary also had reason to celebrate as Kornél Popa from Szombathely earned the title of Best Hungarian Photographer with 34 accepted images and three awards.
When selecting the venue, the organising team consciously avoided conventional options and chose Partium House in Debrecen, a gallery distinguished not only by its size but also by its cultural spirit. “Debrecen is the country’s second-largest city, and Partium House is a wonderful gallery located directly on the city’s main street. Most importantly, the gallery maintains exceptionally high standards, hosting only valuable, high-quality exhibitions,” the organisers explained.
István Stanik, Director of the Hungarian Houses Network and Head of Partium House, noted that the tradition of the former Debrecen–Oradea press photography exhibition may have begun to lose momentum, making it especially rewarding to bring the highest level of international photographic art to the city. “We are presenting the world to a truly art-loving audience, and this level of quality provides a worthy successor to previous traditions,” he added.
The true value and highlight of any photography competition comes when images leave the digital sphere and are presented to the public in physical form. This exhibition, however, will be far more than a collection of photographs displayed on walls; it promises a complete visual and auditory experience. Alongside the exhibition of the 48 gold medal-winning photographs, the remaining works will be presented through video projections. Live music will also enhance the opening ceremony, with performances by Áron Pető on cello and István Pető on piano.
The event, which organisers hope will firmly place Debrecen on the international photography map, will begin at 5:00 p.m. on 25 June, at Partium House (81 Piac Street). The organisers warmly invite all those interested in photography and the visual arts to attend the free public event.
Source: dehir.hu | Photo credit: debrecen.hu
