Organizer Information
The SIYU Award is a leading Swiss photography competition dedicated to supporting emerging photographic talent within Switzerland. Formerly known as the “vfg Young Talent Award for Photography,” the initiative has evolved into a prominent platform for discovering and promoting innovative voices in contemporary photography.
The award is organized in collaboration with key actors in the Swiss cultural sector and culminates in a high-profile exhibition at Photobastei Zurich, one of the country’s most recognized venues dedicated to photography. The program is further strengthened by the Alois Ottiger Grant, established in memory of Swiss photographer Alois Ottiger, which provides financial awards and professional recognition to selected participants.
By combining exhibition opportunities, financial support, and publication, the SIYU Award plays a critical role in fostering the next generation of photographers and strengthening Switzerland’s contemporary photography landscape.
Title & Description
SIYU Award 2026 – Photography Prize, Exhibition & Grant for Emerging Swiss-Based Photographers
The SIYU Award 2026 is an open call for emerging photographers connected to Switzerland, offering a platform to present original photographic work and gain visibility within the professional art world.
The competition invites submissions from all fields of photography, with no thematic restrictions, encouraging participants to showcase authentic, well-developed projects. A professional jury will select ten outstanding works, which will be presented in a curated group exhibition and published in an official catalogue.
In addition to exhibition exposure, selected participants will compete for major monetary prizes funded through the Alois Ottiger Grant. The award emphasizes artistic development, curatorial presentation, and professional growth, making it a key opportunity for early-career photographers seeking recognition and institutional support.
Categories
- Photography
- Visual Arts
- Documentary Photography
- Fine Art Photography
- Contemporary Photography
- Multimedia / Image-Based Practices
Eligibility
- Open to photographers with Swiss citizenship or residence in Switzerland at the time of submission
- Applicants must be 38 years old or younger (eligible until the day before their 39th birthday)
- Open to emerging photographers working across all genres and styles
- Both professional and non-professional photographers may apply
- Submissions must consist entirely of original work created by the applicant
- Applicants must ensure all submitted materials are free from third-party rights or properly cleared
Program Benefits & Awards
- 1st Prize: CHF 5,000
- 2nd Prize: CHF 3,000
- 3rd Prize: CHF 2,000
- Exhibition of selected works at Photobastei Zurich
- Inclusion in an official printed catalogue publication
- Financial contribution towards production costs for all ten finalists
- Professional exposure to curators, institutions, and the public
- Opportunity to be recognized within the Swiss and international photography scene
- Networking opportunities with peers and industry professionals
Application Fee
CHF 50 per project submitted
Application Requirements
- A series of 3 to 8 images (JPEG format, minimum 3000px on the long side, sRGB)
- A project statement (approx. 1000 characters)
- A short CV/biography
- A presentation plan outlining how the work should be exhibited
Important Guidelines:
- All submissions must be anonymous (no names in file names, images, or documents)
- Only original works are accepted
- Projects can explore any theme or subject
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 1 May 2026
- Finalists Notification: June 13, 2026
- Exhibition Opening & Award Ceremony: October 22, 2026
Location
Zurich, Switzerland
Additional Details
- Ten selected projects will be presented in a group exhibition and evaluated by a professional jury of photography experts
- The jury’s decision is final, and selected works must be exhibited as originally submitted
- Finalists will be notified directly (including phone communication)
- Award winners will be publicly announced during the exhibition opening event
- Participants are responsible for insuring their artworks during the exhibition
- The organizer assumes no liability for damage or theft
- Applicants must ensure that submitted works do not infringe on third-party rights
- The SIYU Award emphasizes authenticity, artistic integrity, and professional presentation