APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN

CENTER, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization based in Santa Fe, New Mexico, has provided direct funding and project advancement packages for photographic and lens-based works since 1994.

In 2025, we are proud to offer $16,000 in funding, group exhibition at CENTER’s new gallery n Santa Fe, admission to the Review Santa Fe portfolio reviews, publication within LENSCRATCH, seminars and more.

EARLY DISCOUNT DEADLINE: 02.15.2025
FINAL SUBMISSION DEADLINE: 03.15.2025

We accept submissions from photographers and lens-based artists located around the world for all available categories. Work derived from all photographic processes is accepted, as well as video and mixed media that is photo-based.
HOW TO APPLY • 1) Fill out the application form; 2) Prepare your files and a project statement; 3) Upload your application before the final submission deadline of March 15, 2025, at 11:59 PM MT.
APPLICATION FEES • Before February 15 – entry fees start at $35 for most categories. After February 15 – rates increase by $10 per category.

We invite you to join the Members Circle to save on entry fees, free access to seminars, and more.
QUESTIONS? • Visit our FAQs and Guidelines for more information, or contact us at programs@centersantafe.org.

Photographic Awards & Grants

Review Santa Fe Portfolio Reviews

Exhibition in Santa Fe, NM

Photographic Awards & Grants Review Santa Fe Portfolio Reviews Exhibition in Santa Fe, NM

PROJECT LAUNCH GRANT

The Project Launch Grant provides funding to a complete, or nearly completed, documentary project or fine art series.

PACKAGE • $5,000 USD, Exhibition at CENTER’s gallery, admission to Review Santa Fe, Public Project Presentation, access to Professional Development Seminars, Publication with LENSCRATCH + more

JUROR • Keith W. Jenkins, VP, Music & Visuals Strategy, NPR

apply now

PROJECT DEVELOPMENT GRANT

The Project Development Grant provides funding to a fine art, reportage or documentary work-in-progress.

PACKAGE • $5,000 USD, Exhibition at CENTER’s gallery, admission to Review Santa Fe, Public Project Presentation, access to Professional Development Seminars, Publication with LENSCRATCH + more

JUROR • Kristen Gaylord, Herzfeld Curator of Photography & Media Arts, Milwaukee Art Museum

apply now

ME&EVE AWARD

The Me&Eve Award provides funding to a female and/or LGBTQIA+ identifying photographer 40 years of age and over.

PACKAGE • $1,000 USD, Exhibition at CENTER’s gallery, admission to Review Santa Fe, Public Project Presentation, access to Professional Development Seminars, Publication with LENSCRATCH + more

JUROR • Leonor Mamanna, Deputy Photo Director, Bloomberg Businessweek / Pursuits

apply now

Image detail of “Mary Ann Garcia shares images from her youth in the Catholic school on mission grounds.” © Robert Pluma

MULTIMEDIA AWARD

The Multimedia Award recognizes outstanding storytellers using lens-based media to create narrative-driven projects. The award is open to, but not limited to, photography, video, new media, photojournalism, installation and web-based works.

PACKAGE • Exhibition at CENTER’s gallery, admission to Review Santa Fe, Public Project Presentation, access to Professional Development Seminars, Publication with LENSCRATCH + more

JUROR • Sam Wolson, Interactives Visual Features Editor, The New Yorker

apply now

PERSONAL AWARD

The Personal Award recognizes outstanding images, whether singular or part of a series, that engage in the exploration and expression of the power of self-representation and/or underrepresented experiences.

PACKAGE • Exhibition at CENTER’s gallery, admission to Review Santa Fe, Public Project Presentation, access to Professional Development Seminars, Publication with LENSCRATCH + more

JUROR • Pauline Vermare, Phillip & Edith Leonian Curator of Photography, Brooklyn Museum

apply now

SOCIALLY ENGAGED AWARD

The Socially Engaged Award recognizes outstanding images, whether singular or part of a series, addressing social issues.

PACKAGE • Exhibition at CENTER’s gallery, admission to Review Santa Fe, Public Project Presentation, access to Professional Development Seminars, Publication with LENSCRATCH + more

JUROR • Andrea Wise, Visual Strategy Editor, ProPublica

apply now

ENVIRONMENTAL AWARD

The Environmental Award recognizes outstanding images, whether singular or part of a series, focusing on the state of the ecological environment. Topics may include, but are not limited to, conservation, biodiversity, ecology, climate change or other issues concerning the natural world.

PACKAGE • Exhibition at CENTER’s gallery, admission to Review Santa Fe, Public Project Presentation, access to Professional Development Seminars, Publication with LENSCRATCH + more

JUROR • Alice Gabriner, Consulting Director, Center for Contemporary Documentation

apply now

Image detail provided by Kathleen Sanker

EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING AWARD

The Callanan Excellence in Teaching Award honors a high school, college or postgraduate teacher’s dedication and commitment to their students and field. Educators in all areas of photographic teaching are eligible, including fine art, documentary, history and criticism.

PACKAGE • $5,000, admission to Review Santa Fe, access to Professional Development Seminars + more

JUROR & 2024 RECIPIENT • Kathleen Sanker, Professor of Art, St. Charles Community College, St. Louis

submit a free nomination

REVIEW SANTA FE: PORTFOLIO REVIEWS

CENTER’s premier juried portfolio review event and conference, the Review Santa Fe Photo Symposium, is designed for photographers seeking audience expansion, critical discussion and community connection.

DATES • November 1–3, 2025

PACKAGE • Portfolio reviews, participation in the Portfolio Walk public expo, inclusion in the Photographers Listing + more

SELECTION COMMITTEE • 3 Industry professionals, including CENTER Alumni

apply now

Questions?

Please visit our FAQs & Guidelines, watch the How-To ENTER CENTER webinar, or contact us at programs@centersantafe.org. Applications will be accepted through the final deadline of March 15, 2025, at 11:59 PM Mountain Time.

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Supporters

CENTER’s programs are made possible in part by New Mexico Arts, a division of the Department of Cultural Affairs, the National Endowment for the Arts, the City of Santa Fe Arts Commission, and the 1% Lodgers Tax.