Submissions open for the Photography Prize

The Musée du quai Branly – Jacques Chirac Photography Prize offers €30,000 to experienced non-European photographers for original contemporary photography projects. Open to photographers from Africa, the Americas, Asia, and Oceania, the prize supports innovative artistic visions beyond traditional documentary forms. Applications close on 15 March 2026, with two winners selected by an international jury.

€30,000 Award for Non-European Contemporary Photographers

Overview of the Photography Prize

The Musée du quai Branly – Jacques Chirac Photography Prize is an international award designed to promote diversity, innovation, and excellence in contemporary photography. The prize supports experienced non-European photographers developing original projects that reflect strong artistic vision and professional maturity.

There is no imposed theme, allowing artists full creative freedom. Preference is given to projects that move beyond conventional documentary or reportage and demonstrate conceptual depth, originality, and high-quality references.

Key Prize Details

• Organising institution: Musée du quai Branly – Jacques Chirac

• Prize type: Contemporary photography project grant

• Number of winners: 2

• Grant amount: €30,000 per selected project

• Eligible regions: Africa, the Americas, Asia, Oceania

• Artistic focus: Original contemporary photography

• Application deadline: Sunday, 15 March 2026, midnight (Paris time)

Purpose and Artistic Vision

The Photography Prize aims to:

• Promote diverse photographic practices worldwide

• Support contemporary international photography beyond Eurocentric perspectives

• Encourage experimentation and innovative artistic approaches

• Enrich the museum’s photographic collections with original works

The award prioritises artistic originality, professional experience, and conceptual strength rather than journalistic or purely documentary output.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligibility is strictly defined to maintain the international and professional focus of the prize.

Eligible Applicants

• Non-European photographers from:

  • Africa

  • The Americas

  • Asia

  • Oceania

• Experienced photographers with an established body of work

• Individual photographers or photography collectives

• European citizens residing in overseas countries and territories or outermost regions

• European citizens holding dual non-European nationality

There is no age limit.

Who Is Not Eligible?

• European citizens residing on the European continent

• Novice or emerging photographers without demonstrated experience

• Previous winners of the Photography Prize or earlier editions of the award

No recommendation letters are required as part of the application.

Project Submission Rules

Applicants must follow these submission requirements carefully.

• Only one project may be submitted per applicant

• Projects must be original and unpublished

• Collectives may apply, but the €30,000 grant will be shared among members if selected

• Projects should demonstrate:

  • Strong artistic intent

  • Clear conceptual framework

  • Relevant professional references and experience

What the Prize Covers

Each selected winner receives a €30,000 endowment to support project completion.

Eligible Expenses

The grant may be used to cover:

• Travel and accommodation

• Technical and production costs

• Research and creation expenses

• Transfer of rights granted to the museum for inclusion in its collections

The photographic work produced will become part of the Musée du quai Branly – Jacques Chirac collections.

Selection Process and Timeline

Evaluation and Jury

• Projects are reviewed by an international jury composed of leading figures in art and photography

• Artistic quality, originality, and feasibility are core evaluation criteria

Key Dates

• Application deadline: 15 March 2026 (midnight, Paris time)

• Pre-selection committee: Expected May 2026

• Winners announced: End of June or July 2026

• Research and creation period begins: July 2026

• Final submission deadline for completed work: 30 April 2027

Why This Prize Matters

The Photography Prize plays a critical role in:

• Supporting underrepresented voices in global photography

• Encouraging non-Western perspectives in museum collections

• Providing substantial financial backing for ambitious artistic projects

• Strengthening international contemporary photography networks

By offering creative freedom and institutional recognition, the prize enables photographers to develop meaningful, long-term work.

How to Apply

1. Develop a single, original photography project with a clear artistic concept.

2. Prepare a professional portfolio demonstrating experience and quality of work.

3. Submit the application through the museum’s official application process before the deadline.

4. Ensure all materials meet eligibility and submission requirements.

Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting more than one project

• Applying as a European resident living on the European continent

• Proposing traditional reportage without artistic transformation

• Providing weak or incomplete references

• Missing the application deadline

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Who can apply for the Photography Prize?

Experienced non-European photographers from Africa, the Americas, Asia, and Oceania are eligible.

Is there an age limit?

No. There is no age restriction.

Can photography collectives apply?

Yes. Both individual photographers and collectives may apply, with the grant shared among collective members.

Is the prize open to beginner photographers?

No. The prize is intended for experienced photographers and not for novices.

How many projects can I submit?

Only one project per applicant is permitted.

What does the €30,000 grant cover?

The grant covers travel, accommodation, technical costs, production expenses, and rights transfer for museum acquisition.

When must the final work be delivered?

Completed photographic work must be submitted by 30 April 2027.

Conclusion

The Musée du quai Branly – Jacques Chirac Photography Prize 2026 offers a rare and significant opportunity for experienced non-European photographers to develop ambitious, original projects with strong institutional support. With generous funding, international visibility, and inclusion in a major museum collection, the prize recognises artistic excellence while advancing global diversity in contemporary photography.