The Calvert Journal launches New East Photo Prize

Today Calvert 22 Foundation and The Calvert Journal announce the launch of the inaugural New East Photo Prize, an award championing contemporary photography from the new east — eastern Europe, the Balkans, Russia and Central Asia.

Photography has been a central aspect of our editorial mix since we launched The Calvert Journal three years ago. In regular slideshows and special reports we’ve showcased some of the most exciting talent working across our region of focus. We’ve also been aware that, although hugely diverse, the countries of eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union are often represented internationally in an outdated manner which negates the rich culture and variety of creative output coming from those nations. To broaden perceptions, and to further celebrate artistic innovation from the region we’re launching the New East Photo Prize.

The winner of the prize will be offered the opportunity to publish a body of work as a new photo book and will also take part in a two-month group exhibition of shortlisted work at Calvert 22 Foundation’s space in London in November 2016.

A range of short and longlisted entrants will receive significant international exposure through the online and social media channels of The Calvert Journal. And selected finalists will also have their work featured by New East Photo Prize partners The Guardian and Bird in Flight. The winner of the Special Prize, dedicated to unfinished documentary projects, will receive a £1000 grant toward the completion of their project from Bird in Flight.

Entries will be judged by an international panel of leading figures from photography, art and media including award-winning photographers Donald Weber and Alexander Gronsky, Roger Tooth, Head of Photography at the Guardian and Observer, award-winning artist Taus Makhacheva and Ekow Eshun, Creative Director of Calvert 22 Foundation.

The New East Photo Prize is a Calvert 22 Foundation initiative supported by The Calvert Journal. It is free to enter, and open to photographers who are nationals of Eastern Europe, the Balkans, Russia and Central Asia. The deadline for entries is Friday 19 August 2016.

The New East Photo Prize is now open for submissions here.