Deadline: 04-Sep-2025
Are you a photographer or artist working on an important social issue in the Balkans? Do you have a strong idea for a visual project that needs funding? The VID Grant is designed for emerging artists from the region who want to create or complete a compelling, non-stereotypical visual story on relevant social themes.
The VID Grant supports work that sits at the intersection of photography and social justice. It welcomes projects that tackle issues such as human rights, environmental concerns, social taboos, the rise of extremism, or the experiences of ethnic minorities and other underrepresented topics in the Balkans. The selection is made by an independent international jury of photography professionals.
The grant includes a cash prize of €1000 to help the winner develop and complete their project. In addition, the winner will receive a six-month tailored mentorship from industry professionals, providing creative and practical guidance—from concept development to editing, sequencing, and long-term planning.
The winner’s work will be showcased on the VID Foundation website and social media, increasing regional and international visibility. The Foundation will also support exhibition opportunities, helping connect the artist to the right institutions both in the Balkans and the Netherlands.
The Foundation will only use winning images with written permission, including proper credits. Visuals may be used to promote the VID Grant and the work of the Foundation but will never be shared with third parties without approval.
The VID Grant is open to all emerging photographers and artists from or based in Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Greece, Kosovo, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, and Slovenia. Those temporarily living elsewhere are also eligible, provided their work is connected to the Balkan region.
Applicants must be 18 or older. Work must be original and either new or incomplete (no older than two years). Only one application is allowed per person or collective. Projects must center around relevant social issues and be rooted in the Balkan context. All forms of photography are welcome, including cross-media and immersive practices, as long as photography remains central.
Submissions must meet ethical standards as outlined by Photographers Without Borders. Late applications will not be accepted, and due to the volume of entries, individual feedback will not be provided.
Winners will be chosen based on artistic quality, motivation, originality, and how well the project aligns with the Foundation’s mission. The jury includes regional and international experts, with the VID Foundation founder acting as a non-voting secretary. Winning projects will be promoted across the Foundation’s platforms.
For more information, visit VID Foundation for Photography.
