• Les Rencontres d'Arles
• Deadline: November 4th, 2024
• Prize: €15,000 Grant + Exhibition in France
• Theme: Open
• Entry Fees: Yes
• REGISTRATION: CLOSED. Click HERE for more Opportunities
The Rencontres d’Arles is thrilled to announce the launch of the 2025 Discovery Award, continuing a tradition that has been integral to the festival’s mission since its inception. The Discovery Award was created to spotlight and celebrate emerging artists whose work is pushing the boundaries of contemporary art, particularly in the realm of photography. This prestigious award is part of the Rencontres d’Arles Festival’s 56th edition, which has become one of the most prominent photography festivals in the world. The 2025 edition of the Discovery Award will not only highlight the work of selected artists through a special exhibition but will also reward the most compelling projects with two significant prizes: the Jury Award, valued at €15,000, and the Public Award, valued at €5,000.
In keeping with the festival’s evolving vision, the Rencontres d’Arles Discovery Award has, since 2021, broadened its scope to include organizations dedicated to nurturing emerging talent. These organizations—ranging from independent exhibition spaces and artist-run initiatives to galleries, foundations, and hybrid spaces—play a crucial role in identifying and promoting artists whose work is ripe for broader recognition. Their contributions help bring to light the freshest voices in the art world, and they are invited to submit exhibition projects featuring artists they believe deserve international exposure. These organizations act as vital intermediaries, not only discovering and championing these artists but also fostering a global dialogue about their work. The organizations selected for the Discovery Award are tasked with proposing a project by an artist they support, with a special emphasis on work that has recently gained prominence or holds the potential to resonate with an international audience.
The selected projects will become part of the official Discovery Award exhibition during the 2025 Rencontres d’Arles Festival. This exhibition will be supported by the festival’s curatorial team, ensuring that each artist's work is presented in the best possible light. Additionally, an exhibition curator invited by the Rencontres d’Arles will work closely with the artists and organizations, providing expertise and guidance throughout the process. This collaborative approach not only enriches the exhibition but also enhances the visibility and impact of the artists' work.
The culmination of this journey will occur during the festival's opening week, a highlight of which will be the announcement of the award winners. A carefully selected jury, composed of professionals and experts from the art world, will evaluate the work on display and choose the recipient of the Jury Award. This award, which includes an acquisition of artworks worth €15,000, is designed to benefit both the winning artist and the supporting organization that helped bring their work to the public's attention. Meanwhile, festival visitors will have the opportunity to participate in the selection process by voting for their favorite artist, thereby determining the recipient of the Public Award. This prize, which includes an acquisition of artworks valued at €5,000, offers an additional layer of recognition, underscoring the importance of audience engagement in the artistic process.
In essence, the Rencontres d’Arles Discovery Award serves as a platform for showcasing groundbreaking work from emerging artists while simultaneously recognizing and rewarding the organizations that foster their growth. It is not only a celebration of individual artistic achievement but also a recognition of the collaborative efforts that propel these artists onto the global stage. With the 2025 Discovery Award, the Rencontres d’Arles reaffirms its commitment to being a catalyst for creative discovery, continuing to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of contemporary photography.
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