Organizer Information
The First Photo Book Grant program is initiated and organized by the Eyes Wide Open association (the cultural production branch of The Eyes label). It is supported by the French Ministry of Culture and SAIF to provide essential aid to photographers and independent publishers in the creation of a first book.
Title & Description
First Photo Book Grants 2026: Supporting New Photographic Monographs.
This program supports the realization of a photographer's first monograph in collaboration with an independent French publisher. The program aims to foster photographic culture by providing financial grants to help projects reach completion and distribution in bookstores. The jury prioritizes original, unpublished projects that demonstrate high artistic and graphic quality, with a specific focus on the relevance of the editorial intention and the feasibility of the project budget.
Categories
Three distinct grants of €5,000 each (all taxes included) are awarded to one recipient per category:
- SAIF Grant: For a French photographer or a photographer residing in France.
- Female Photographer Grant: Open to women photographers of any nationality.
- Global South Grant: For photographers from Africa, the Caribbean, Southeast Asia, Latin America, or the Middle East.
Eligibility
- Open to photographers who have never published a monograph with a publisher.
- Applicants who have self-published in the past remain eligible.
- Must provide a letter of commitment from an independent French publisher.
- Open to solo or duo photographers; collective projects are not eligible.
- No age limit applies to any category.
Program Benefits and Awards
- Grant Amount: €5,000 awarded directly to the photographer for the production of the book in collaboration with their publisher.
- Production Term: A 15-month period is allowed to finalize and publish the work.
- Professional Exposure: Support from the Eyes Wide Open network and announcement of winners in June 2026.
Fees
- Application Fee: Free to apply.
Application Requirements
The application must be submitted as a single PDF (max 25 MB) and include:
- Project Presentation: Concept, excerpts from texts, and a pre-selection of images.
- Statement of Intent: Max 8,000 characters (approx. 3 pages) including editorial goals and preliminary layout/sketches.
- Biographies: Artist(s), author(s), and graphic designer(s) involved.
- Budget: Projected costs for a minimum of 500 copies, including explicit lines for copyright income/expenses and manufacturing quotes.
- Schedule: 15-month implementation timeline.
- Letter of Commitment: From an independent French publisher.
How to Apply?
Applications must be submitted electronically via a unique transfer link to bplp@theeyes.eu. The online application form must also be completed in advance.
Key Dates
- Call for Applications: February 17 – May 17, 2026 (Deadline 6:00 PM).
- Winner Announcement: June 2026.
- Publication Deadline: No later than November 30, 2027.
Location
France (Independent French Publisher requirement) / International (Categories based on residency/origin).
Additional Details
Selected books must include a copyright contract between the publisher and photographer and must be distributed in bookstores. The edition must be printed at a minimum of 500 copies.