APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN
The 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization based in Santa Fe, New Mexico, CENTER, 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 and education hub in Santa Fe, admission to the Review Santa Fe portfolio reviews, featured publication within LENSCRATCH, access to seminars, and more. Learn about CENTER’s once annual Calls for Entry below -
EARLY DISCOUNT DEADLINE: 02.15.2025
FINAL SUBMISSION DEADLINE: 03.15.2025
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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.
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
© Austin Bryant
© Sara Abbaspour
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
© Anna Reed
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
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, 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 • TBA
© Matthew Finley
PERSONAL AWARD
The Personal Award recognizes outstanding images, singular or part of a series, engaging 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
© Sofie Hecht
SOCIALLY ENGAGED AWARD
The Socially Engaged Award recognizes outstanding images, 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
© John Trotter
ENVIRONMENTAL AWARD
The Environmental Award recognizes outstanding images, 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
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
© Diana Cheren Nygren
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 with esteemed reviewers, participation in the Portfolio Walk public expo, inclusion in the Photographers Listing + more
SELECTION COMMITTEE • 3 Industry professionals, including CENTER Alumni
Questions?
Please visit our FAQs & Guidelines, watch the How-To ENTER CENTER webinar, or feel free to contact us at programs@centersantafe.org with any questions. Applications are being accepted through the final deadline of March 15, 2025, at 11:59 PM Mountain Time.
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 –
