The V&A Parasol Foundation Prize for Women in Photography is an annual initiative dedicated to identifying, supporting, and championing innovative women artists working in the field of contemporary photography.
The V&A Parasol Foundation Prize for Women in Photography is free to enter, open to all women internationally, both professionals and amateurs. The Prize is subject to a specific annual theme and winners are selected by an independent selection panel consisting of global industry professionals and inspiring international artists.
The Prize is produced in partnership with Peckham 24, south London's innovative three-day photography festival. The prize has been made possible by the support of Ms. Ruth Monicka Parasol and The Parasol Foundation Trust.
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2024 Prize
The V&A Parasol Foundation Prize for Women in Photography is thematic and artists must respond to the theme accordingly. A new theme is set annually with each new edition of the Prize.
Our 2024 theme is 'Histories'
Visual communication has been a vital part of society since the invention of cave drawings in the prehistoric period. Though formally invented in the 19th century, the philosophy of photography – 'drawing with light' – can be traced to neolithic periods and primitive camera obscura techniques. Photography has since developed into an essential contemporary medium, used to document our history, culture, events and societal change, and more recently, as a form of human and artistic expression. This theme invites broad submissions which evidence the relationship between history and photography; from the use of historical processes and their position within contemporary photographic practice, to the documentation of historical events or revisitations of the past. It creates space for artists interested in the notion of the archive, including photographers working with family albums, vernacular photography and historic or institutional collections. 'Histories' invites artists to consider how photography can be used to interrogate and challenge existing history, fact and circumstance, allowing for reimagined or speculative futures.
Prizes
- Four winning artists will have their work included in a group exhibition at Peckham 24, alongside accompanying events and public programming
- International travel and two night's accommodation expenses for exhibiting artists to attend the festival in London
- Networking event with Prize selection committee and industry experts
- Bursaries of £2,000 for each exhibiting artist
- Winning artists will be featured on the V&A and Peckham 24 social media channels and communications
How to enter
Applications opened 2 November 2023 and close 4 January 2024.
Entry is online only via our competition platform.
Please read our Terms and conditions before applying.
If you have access needs, please email parasolwomenphoto@vam.ac.uk
More information and how to apply here.
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Photo credit: From the series 'spear of a nation', photograph by Cynthia MaiWa Sitei, 2021. © Cynthia MaiWa Sitei