Organizer Information
CENTER Santa Fe is a nonprofit arts organization located in Santa Fe, New Mexico, that supports Photography and lens‑based artistic practices worldwide. Since its founding in 1994, CENTER has developed a robust platform for photographers and visual storytellers through its
Award/Prize programs, curated exhibitions, educational initiatives, and professional development opportunities such as the annual Review Santa Fe symposium. CENTER’s mission is to elevate photographic work, facilitate critical dialogue, and provide artists with exposure through exhibitions, publications, and public presentations.
Title & Description
Me&Eve Award – CENTER Santa Fe Photography Awards 2026
The Me&Eve Award is an international recognition and support program for photographers who identify as female or LGBTQ+ and are 40 years of age or older. This award is part of the 2026
CENTER Santa Fe Awards & Grants and is designed to empower mid‑career and established photographic artists by providing financial support along with significant professional opportunities.
Recipients of the Me&Eve Award receive both monetary support and a suite of professional development benefits that amplify their visibility within the global photography community. Applicants are invited to submit a cohesive project of 15–20 images accompanied by a project statement (maximum 400 words). The selection is juried by distinguished curators and photography professionals, with an emphasis on artistic merit, conceptual strength, and narrative clarity.
Categories
- Photography
- Documentary (photo‑based work encouraged)
- Fine Art
- Contemporary Art
(Work derived from all photographic processes is generally accepted, including photo‑based mixed media in applicable categories.)
Eligibility
- Open to female and LGBTQ+ photographers who are 40 years of age or older.
- Applicants can be based anywhere internationally.
- Only individual submissions are accepted (group entries are not specified).
- Projects can be from any photographic process; photo‑based work and mixed media are generally eligible where noted.
Program Benefits & Awards
- $1,000 USD in financial support for the recipient.
- Group Exhibition at CENTER Santa Fe, offering public presentation of the awarded project.
- Participation in Review Santa Fe symposium, facilitating networking with curators, critics, and peers.
- Publication in Lenscratch, a respected online photography journal.
- Access to professional development seminars hosted by CENTER.
- Inclusion in the printed Program Guide for 2026.
- Inclusion in the CENTER Online Gallery & Archive of award recipients.
This combination of financial support, exhibition, publication, and professional opportunities helps artists broaden their professional networks and gain critical recognition.
Application Fee
- Entry fees apply and vary by submission timing and category (typically around $35–$55 per category for early submissions, rising after early deadlines).
- Membership in CENTER may provide discounted entry fees and additional benefits.
Application Requirements
Applicants must prepare and submit:
- A cohesive set of 15–20 high‑resolution images (following technical specifications).
- A project statement (maximum 400 words) outlining the artistic concept, narrative focus, and relevance to the award.
- Full contact information including email and mailing address.
- Entry fee payment at the time of submission.
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Submission Deadline: 28 February 2026
- Notifications: Typically announced in May 2026 as part of the grant and award cycle.
- Review Santa Fe Symposium Participation: October 22–25, 2026 (if selected).
- Group Exhibition: October 2026 at CENTER Santa Fe, Santa Fe, NM (exact dates TBD).
Location
Santa Fe, New Mexico, United States
Additional Details
- The Me&Eve Award specifically supports photographers who identify as female and/or LGBTQ+ and are aged 40 or older.
- Accepted projects are archived and promoted across CENTER’s platforms, increasing visibility within the professional photography world.
- The jury for 2026 includes notable photography curators and specialists, further enhancing the award’s prestige.
- Work may be photo‑based or incorporate mixed media elements, depending on category guidelines.
