Short Description
The Objectifs Documentary Award champions Objectifs’ mission to broaden perspectives through image making, by supporting original voices in visual storytelling in Singapore and the wider region. The Award enables photographers to work on new or existing projects, encouraging them to tell stories about their native communities. It welcomes different creative approaches to non-fiction storytelling, from conventional documentary photography to visual experiments. Projects may be presented in still images or use multimedia.
Successful recipients will be given professional and financial support to work on their projects over a 6 month-long period. The final works will exhibited at Objectifs in May 2026.
Eligibility
We are seeking work created in photographers’ current or native communities. We welcome different creative approaches to non-fiction storytelling, including social documentary, portraiture, conceptual and art photography. Your final work can be entirely in still photography or use multimedia.
The project may be new or existing (if existing, the photographer must communicate in his/her proposal what additional plans there are for the project), and must be completed by January 2026.
1) Open Category
- Open to Southeast Asian photographers (including Singapore), irrespective of age. Southeast Asian photographers who are not currently living/working in Southeast Asia may also apply.
- One recipient will be selected for this category.
- Applicants should ideally present an ongoing project that is near completion.
- Applicants should have more than 5 years of professional photography experience (including internships and freelance work)
- Applicants must be able to communicate in English
- Applicants must have full copyright ownership of the work produced
2) Emerging Category
- Open to Southeast Asian photographers (including Singapore), irrespective of age.
- Two recipients will be selected for this category.
- Applicants must have less than 5 years of professional photography experience (including internships and freelance work)
- Both ongoing or new projects are welcome
- Applicants must have full copyright ownership of the work produced
Submission Requirements
a. 500-word (max.) proposal
b. If proposing a new project, please share sample images showing visual approach
c. If proposing to work on/present an ongoing project, please share images from the project (max. 20 images)
d. Portfolio (max. 20 images)
e. CV
How to Apply
Online Application
Program Benefits & Awards
1) Open Category
The Open Category is awarded to 1 recipient from Southeast Asia. The recipient will work with curator Syaheedah Iskandar to curate and present a solo exhibition at Objectifs in May 2026, and SGD$8,000 to work on a new or existing body of work.
One finalist will receive a grant of SGD$ 1,000 to continue their practice.
2) Emerging Category
The Emerging Category will be awarded to 2 recipients from Southeast Asia. Each recipient receives a 6 month-long mentorship with Ezra Acayan, a presentation at Objectifs in May 2026, and SGD$3,000 to work on a new or existing body of work.
One finalist will receive a grant of SGD$500 to continue their practice.
Recipients will receive production and logistical support from Objectifs for the exhibition. Completed works will be promoted on Objectifs’ website and social media channels. If the recipient is not based in Singapore, they will receive financial support for budget flights and accommodation to attend the setting up of and opening of the exhibition and conduct an artist talk/presentation.
Entry Fee
None
Location
Singapore
Timeline
- Application Deadline: 27 April 2025
Website Link: https://www.objectifs.com.sg/docuaward2025/
