The BFF-Förderpreis (Advancement Award) regularly honors the best up-and-coming photographers who captivate audiences with creative perspectives. This year, the theme of the competition is “Play,” and the best entries will be shown for the first time at the Willy-Brandt-Haus.

The twelve participants selected by an expert jury developed and produced their concepts over a six-month period in close collaboration with the BFF mentors. In doing so, they each interpreted the theme of “Play” individually. The winner, E. Alejandro De Paoli Padilla, received his award at the end of May 2026. His work, “According to the Dice / From an Inventory of 236,” focuses on the photographic approach to controlled chance. Using self-developed instructions and a six-sided die as a decision-making tool, selection and distribution were determined, directly influencing the composition of the staged still lifes.

Whether loud or quiet, colorful or completely minimalist, moving or thought-provoking: the final works of all twelve photographers will showcase the full spectrum of the “Play” theme at the Willy-Brandt-Haus from July 3 to September 27, 2026.

Freundeskreis Willy-Brandt-Haus (FkWBH)

The Freundeskreis Willy-Brandt-Haus was founded in 1996 as a non-profit association. Since the opening of the Willy-Brandt-Haus, the FkWBH has provided a varied, free program of events at the interface between culture and politics. In addition to the regular exhibitions, readings, discussions and film evenings are also offered to a wide audience.

With works by:

Benedikt Burger @benediktburger_
E. Alejandro De Paoli Padilla @eliasadpp
Marie Eberhardt @eberhardt_marie_
Theresa Maria Forthaus @theresa_maria_forthaus
Haben Ghebregziabher @habengheb
Jula Antonia Hack @jula.hck
Lara Habor @larahabor
Zerina Kaps @zerinakaps
Neela J. Keane @neelakeane
Charly Krüger @ckrueger.png
Zoe Linneweber @zoe_linneweber
Malte B. Oing @malteoing

Thursday, July 2, 2026, 7 pm (admission from 6:30 pm)
Opening reception
Speakers: Mirja Linnekugel (Artistic Director FkWBH), Tim Klüssendorf MdB (General Secretary of the SPD), Leadership Team & Finalists (BFF Förderpreis). No registration necessary | Admission free | ID required.

Curators’ Guided Tours (de)
Sun, July 12, 2026, 4 – 5 pm
Thu, Aug 27, 2026, 6 – 7 pm
Sun, Sept 13, 2026, 4 – 5 pm
Curators Jonas Ruhs and Götz Schleser guide visitors through the BFF-Förderpreis 2025/26 exhibition, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the works of the emerging artists. No registration required | Free admission | ID required.

Please check the FkWBH website for closing days and access regulations before your visit.