The W. Eugene Smith Grant 2018
For 2018, the amount of the grant will be $35,000
- Deadline: 31 May 2018
- Entry fee: There is a $50 fee for grant consideration.
- Website: http://smithfund.org/eugene-smith-grant
The W. Eugene Smith Grant in Humanistic Photography is presented annually to a photographer whose past work and proposed project, as judged by a panel of experts, follows the tradition of W. Eugene Smith’s concerned photography and dedicated compassion exhibited during his 45-year career as a photographic essayist.
The W. Eugene Smith Grant in Humanistic Photography was established in 1978 following the death of Gene Smith, the legendary American photo essayist. It is today the most prestigious honor in documentary photography. Every year it recognizes a photographer who has demonstrated an exemplary commitment to documenting the human condition in the spirit of Smith’s concerned photography and dedicated compassion.
The Fund’s Board of Trustees appoints a three-member international jury every year. The jury meets twice. At its first session it reviews all the photographs (submitted electronically), applications and proposals, and selects finalists primarily on the basis of the substantive (and intellectual) merit of their project. The finalists are only then asked to write (if necessary) a more detailed and focused proposal, and to answer questions about their project. Finalists are also asked to deliver a 1-3 minute video with audio describing their proposal. These videos will be shown at the Smith Grant Ceremony in October. This has been approved a number of times but not executed.
Prizes:
For 2018, the amount of the grant will be $35,000. An additional $5,000 in fellowship money will be dispersed, at the discretion of the jury, to one or more finalists deemed worthy of special recognition. Awards will be presented in a ceremony held in New York City.
Eligibility:
You do not need to be a professional documentary photographer or photojournalist to apply for the Smith Fund Grant. Students are eligible to apply for the Smith Fund Grant.
Copyrights & Usage Rights:
You retain copyright to your photograph and the Sponsors may not sell your photo entry for a fee. Grant recipient photos may be used in connection with the Smith Grant and promotion of the grant.