PhMuseum 2025 Photobook Award

About the Open Call

The PhMuseum Photobook Award is a biennial initiative launched in 2025 to support photography publishing. This first edition aims to select a project for publication by PhMuseum, with all production and distribution costs covered. The published book will have a minimum print run of 500 copies, and the author will receive 50 copies plus 5% royalties. The main partner, MPB (Europe’s top camera reseller), will also select an author for their Special Mention, offering an €800 voucher for photography and video gear. The main prize winner will be announced at Photobook Mania 2025 (18-19 October in Bologna, Italy). The selected work will be curated by PhMuseum Artistic Director Giuseppe Oliverio and Visual Editor Camilla Marrese, covering editing, design, and production. The book is slated for printing by Summer 2026 and will be presented at PhMuseum Days 2026 International Photography Festival in Bologna, Italy. The award accepts projects with an open theme and all photographic approaches, including ongoing or completed projects not yet developed into book form. While not required, applicants can upload a book dummy in PDF format or a YouTube video of the dummy. Co-publishing opportunities are also possible, considered on a case-by-case basis. Projects do not require prior editing or design, and self-published works are eligible if printed in fewer than 100 copies.

What is Offered

The PhMuseum Fully-Funded Photobook Prize includes the publication of a photography book by PhMuseum, with production and distribution costs covered, a minimum print run of 500 copies, and the author receiving 50 copies plus 5% royalties. The winning project will receive full curation, editing, design, and production support from PhMuseum Artistic Director and Visual Editor. All up-to 30 finalist projects will be displayed in a collective exhibition at Photobook Mania 2025 in Bologna, Italy, where finalists can present a printed dummy or a digital presentation. The MPB Special Mention grants an €800 voucher to spend on used photo and video gear on mpb.com.

Requirements

The theme is open, and all photographic approaches are welcome. Submissions can be ongoing or completed projects not yet in book form. Self-published works are accepted if printed in fewer than 100 copies. If using generative AI programs, applicants must mention this in the project text and refer to their working process and any employed archives. Mixed media projects are accepted provided photography and its language remain at the core of the submission.

How to Apply

Submit ongoing or completed projects that have not yet been developed into book form. While not required, applicants are welcome to upload a book dummy in PDF format or a YouTube video of the dummy. The submitted project does not require prior editing or design, but applicants should feel free to share any useful content to understand their project. Works can be self-published as long as they are in fewer than 100 copies.