OPEN CALL: Photography Mentorship

We are thrilled to announce the next edition of our Class of, the photography mentorship of Melkweg Expo. This year's mentor will be Fidelio Faustino. 

Ready to grow your photography practice and connect with fellow creatives? 

Melkweg Expo presents Class of Fidelio, an eight -month programme for emerging photographers looking to deepen their work and take the next professional step in a collaborative, inclusive, and inspiring environment. 

Deadline: 17 April 

Meet your mentor: Fidelio Faustino 
Fidelio Faustino Ferrier (b. 2001) is an Amsterdam-born, Surinamese-rooted cinematographer, director, and photographer currently based between Paramaribo and Amsterdam. His work explores culture as a tool for shaping new expressions of identity, using image-making to redefine the meaning of Black and indigenous imagery. Drawing inspiration from memory, spirituality, and fantasy, Faustino’s visual language moves between documentary realism and stylised fiction. His work seeks to unravel nostalgia and a sense of belonging, rooted in the Afro-Caribbean experience, while remaining universally resonant.  
 
He has collaborated with institutions, brands, and artists such as RIMON, Naomi Sharon, The New Originals, Wandler, New Balance, Ree Projects, FOAM, Het Parool, NRC Magazine, Echobox Radio, Dezeen, and Filling Pieces. His visual and conceptual work spans campaign films, editorials, exhibitions, and multidisciplinary art installations. Faustino was selected as a winner of the Dutch Photography Award 2025 and Fresh Eyes Award 2025. That same year, he was named one of PhotoVogue’s 100 top Latin American talents, exhibiting at the PhotoVogue Festival in Milan and speaking at the “Beyond Borders: Diaspora & Representation” panel. His ongoing series Neti È Kon was also featured in Photo31’s “New Visions”. His first solo exhibition, Tapsei, took place at FOAM in September 2025. Faustino is a returning curator, workshop host and guest lecturer for institutions including FOAM Photography Museum Amsterdam, the Public Library of Amsterdam, Meervaart Studios, and MAQAM.

About Melkweg Expo 
Melkweg Expo is an exhibition space for contemporary photography and a platform for emerging artists, located in the heart of Amsterdam.

What to expect 
During the programme, you’ll develop new work to be presented in a group exhibition from 15 January  t/m 21 February 2027 at Melkweg Expo. 

To support this process, you’ll take part in three in-depth meetups (approx. 2 hours each) led by photographer Fidelio Faustino. 

These sessions focus on portfolio development, peer feedback, and conceptual growth, all within a safe and collaborative learning space. Next to the set mentor-sessions we will organize extra field excursions. Participants will receive a 500 euros participation fee.  There is availability for 8 participants. 

Sessions

1. Portfolio Development, Techniques and Visual Language 
- Building a cohesive portfolio
- Defining a personal artistic identity through imagery, including ethical considerations
- Enhancing visual language through photographic techniques 

2. Professional Practice and Collaboration 
- Navigating the art world, including gallery sales, project funding, and sustainable careers 
- Building networks and branding
- Co-creation and interdisciplinary approaches