Organizer Information
The Photographische Sammlung/SK Stiftung Kultur in Cologne is a world-renowned institution dedicated to the preservation and promotion of objective and conceptual photography. At the heart of its collection is the extensive archive of August Sander, a pioneer of 20th-century portraiture. The foundation serves as a center for research and exhibitions, focusing on photography as a medium of art and social documentation. The August Sander Prize is generously funded by Ulla Bartenbach and Prof. Dr. Kurt Bartenbach to support the legacy of Sander’s work within contemporary practice.
Title & Description
The August Sander Prize 2026 for Portrait Photography
This biennial award is designed to promote young, contemporary artistic approaches in the field of objective-conceptual photography. Inspired by the monumental portrait work of August Sander, the prize seeks photographic series that focus primarily on the human portrait. The program aims to support artists who are developing cohesive bodies of work rather than isolated images, fostering narratives that engage with identity, society, and the human condition through a documentary lens.
Categories
The call is specifically for Photography, focusing on thematic groups, sequences, or series. Single images are not considered.
Eligibility
The competition is open to artists of national and international origin who:
- Focus on photography as their primary medium.
- Are born on or after January 1, 1986 (young artists' category).
- Submit work that has not previously won an award in another competition.
Program Benefits & Awards
- Cash Prize: A grant of €5,000.
- Exhibition: The opportunity for a solo exhibition at Die Photographische Sammlung/SK Stiftung Kultur in Cologne, subject to individual coordination and feasibility.
- Visibility: Inclusion in the press work, social media documentation, and the official award ceremony.
Application Fee
There is no entry fee to participate. However, applicants must cover all costs associated with the printing and shipping of their physical work. Return shipping is only provided if requested and paid for by the applicant; otherwise, works are destroyed after the jury process.
Application Requirements
The application must be submitted in both physical and digital formats and include:
- Physical Prints: A series of up to 20 unframed working prints of exhibition quality (max. edge length 60cm).
- Digital PDF: One file (max. 10MB) containing all motifs with title, date, and dimensions (Filename: Surname_SeriesTitle.pdf).
- Application Forms: Completed application (Annex 1), Rights Transfer/Release (Annex 2), and Shipping Details (Annex 3).
- Identification: A copy of a valid ID or passport.
- Project Status: The series should be "largely completed" at the time of submission.
How to Apply?
- Digital Submission: Send the PDF to projekt@sk-kultur.de.
- Physical Submission: Mail the prints and signed documents to: Die Photographische Sammlung/SK Stiftung KulturIm Mediapark 7, 50670 Köln, Germany
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 27 February 2026
- Shortlist Announcement: May 2026
- Winner Announcement: June 2026
- Award Ceremony: September 2026 in Cologne
Location
Cologne, Germany
Additional Details
The jury includes experts like Gabriele Conrath-Scholl (Director of the Collection) and several art historians and curators. Artists are responsible for the taxation of the prize money. It is crucial to use high-quality packaging, as the foundation does not assume liability for damage during transit.
