Photo Grant

Deloitte’s Photo Grant, established in 2023 by Deloitte Italy S.p.A. S.B., is a prominent initiative in contemporary art photography, developed in collaboration with Still Love srl and under the patronage of Fondazione Deloitte ETS. With artistic direction by Denis Curti, the grant supports emerging voices in photography by highlighting the medium’s power to promote social reflection, cultural discourse, and human rights awareness. Through this initiative, Deloitte positions itself as a key advocate for visual storytelling that addresses discrimination and celebrates diversity and inclusion. The 2026 edition of the Deloitte Photo Grant continues its focus on the theme "Proximities," aiming to give voice to those often unheard through visual language. The grant features two core pathways for participation: an open call for emerging photographers under 35 years old and a nominations section involving ten distinguished international curators and professionals who nominate professional photographers. Each nominated photographer is expected to produce a new, unpublished project consisting of at least 25 images exploring their interpretation of the theme. The open call invites applicants to submit a project idea and corresponding budget; this project may be either entirely original or an in-progress work seeking funding for completion. Selected applicants from both tracks will be showcased in a high-profile exhibition at Triennale Milano in October 2026. The open call winner will be awarded €25,000, while a total of €75,000 is committed across both the open call and nominations pathways. The winners' work will be documented in a professionally produced exhibition catalogue. The initiative emphasizes the production of meaningful visual content and elevates emerging and professional photographers alike within the international contemporary art landscape. The evaluation process involves a jury of international experts and cultural professionals who assess submitted proposals based on conceptual alignment with the theme, originality, and feasibility. For the nominations section, a curated group of experts including Alberto Negrin, Stephen Bulger, and others select nominees and oversee the creative process. This dual-structure approach allows for the recognition of both emerging talents and seasoned professionals, enhancing the program’s credibility and artistic range. Applicants to the open call must be under the age of 35 and must submit a written project proposal with a clear budget outline. Submissions are accepted from March 10 through June 14, 2026. Awardees will be notified ahead of the October 2026 exhibition. The grant does not appear to require cost sharing or matching funds, and projects are expected to culminate in visual work that stimulates public dialogue on urgent social issues. The Deloitte Photo Grant is a recurring, annual initiative that continues to build momentum and prestige since its inception. By supporting artistic production and amplifying critical voices, the grant underscores Deloitte’s broader commitment to cultural investment and intellectual engagement through the arts.