Puentes y Encuentros
The Heidelberg Center for Latin America (HCLA) invites its community to participate in the “Puentes y encuentros” Photography Contest, an initiative that seeks to showcase the experiences, perspectives and spaces that bring our international community to life.
We are looking for photographs that reflect the exchange between Latin America and Europe, academic life, human encounters and the diversity of perspectives that characterize the HCLA.
Who can participate?
The competition is open to all persons who currently have or have previously had an academic or institutional affiliation with Heidelberg University and the Heidelberg Center for Latin America (HCLA). This includes:
- Students and alumni
- Researchers and faculty members
- Staff members
- Participants in HCLA programs, courses, summer schools, and other activities
Categories
Educación y vida académica
Photographs that capture the academic community as well as moments of interaction, learning, reflection, and academic exchange.
Espacios y comunidad
Photographs of natural or architectural spaces where people come together, which are perceived as shared spaces and emerge as such through their use. These places do not necessarily have to be connected to studies or academic life.
Miradas y perspectivas
Photographs that invite interpretation, stimulate conversation, or open up new perspectives.
How to participate
- Submit up to three photographs (maximum one per category).
- All photographs must be your own work.
- Images generated entirely or predominantly using artificial intelligence are not eligible.
- Complete your application through the participation form.
Submission deadline:
🗓️ July 19, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. (Santiago de Chile, CLT)
Prizes
A first place prize will be awarded in each category.
🥇 First Prize in each category
- CLP 150,000 (or the equivalent amount for participants residing outside Chile)
Other outstanding photos will be selected for exhibition at the HCLA and featured through the institution’s communication channels.
Exhibition and Outreach
Selected photographs will be displayed in HCLA spaces and may be used for communication, outreach and community-building activities, with full acknowledgment of authorship.
Timeline
The deadline for submissions has been extended to July 19. The selection process and the announcement of the winners have also been postponed by one week from the original schedule.
Submission deadline
July 12, 2026, 11:59 p.m. (Santiago de Chile, CLT)
Preselection of finalist photographs
By July 16, 2026, HCLA will select up to 15 finalist photographs: five per category.
Open community vote
From July 17 to July 26, 2026, the finalist photographs will be presented for an open community vote, which will determine the winners of each category.
Announcement of winners
The results will be announced on July 31, 2026.
Exhibition and award ceremony
During September 2026, the winning and finalist photographs will be exhibited at HCLA. An award ceremony will also be held to officially recognize the winners.
Important
Before participating, please download and carefully read the Contest Call, which include technical requirements, image usage rights and other important information about the contest. The document must be signed and submitted along with the photos. Otherwise, your submission cannot be considered.