Deadline & Fees
• 2023 Edition Launch: Friday 01 September 2023.
• Final Deadline: Wednesday 8th November 2023 • € 35.00
Gomma Photography Grant 2023
About The Gomma Grant Photography Grant
The distinguished grant contest awarding astonishing photography. This year in its 10th edition, the Gomma Grant can look back on a decade of spotting and awarding photographers, who have gone on to grow their careers internationally as well as getting published and exhibited in various countries.
Gomma, even though being an established name within the photography community, has
stayed true to its intention of awarding unconventional and daring works of artists, that show
their unique take on photography and penetrate the viewer emotionally on a profound level.
Working with artists across the genres of black and white, colour, portrait, documentary, photojournalism and many more, Gomma is known for selecting works of exceptional quality.
Keeping the international reputation of being ethical and inclusive, Gomma welcomes photographers of all nationalities, religions, sexual orientation and gender identity as well as all skill levels and mediums (analogue, digital).
Gomma funds and supports emerging talents as well as established photographers. The consistent, superior quality of the shortlisted and finalists of the Grant is recognised by publishers as well as curators and regularly gains press attention, worldwide.
The artists shortlisted and awarded have successfully grown their careers and their reach internationally.
Working with artists across the genres of black and white, colour, portrait, documentary, photojournalism and many more, Gomma is known for selecting works of exceptional quality.
Keeping the international reputation of being ethical and inclusive, Gomma welcomes photographers of all nationalities, religions, sexual orientation and gender identity as well as all skill levels and mediums (analogue, digital).
Gomma funds and supports emerging talents as well as established photographers. The consistent, superior quality of the shortlisted and finalists of the Grant is recognised by publishers as well as curators and regularly gains press attention, worldwide.
The artists shortlisted and awarded have successfully grown their careers and their reach internationally.
Always on the lookout for bold, unusual and striking photography, since 2014, Gomma has
helped many photographers to advance in their field.
The Gomma Grant jury continuously includes a variety of high ranking professionals and a selection of up-and-coming personalities of the industry; offering photographers the opportunity to have their work seen by the best.
To support photographers on their creative journey and help them to refine their work, Gomma offers reviews to every photographer taking part in the contest. The Gomma Photography Grant will be open for submissions on September 1st 2023.
A bit of history... Gomma has come a long way since the first Gomma Magazine came out in 2004. Throughout the years, Gomma has been actively promoting photographers and their work. Gomma worked with internationally renowned artists, such as Roger Ballen, Anders Petersen, Michael Ackerman, Momo Okabe, Keizo Kitajima, Araki and Daido Moriyama. And helped kick-start the career of emerging talents such as Marco Marzocchi, Theo Elias, Harit Srikhao, Igor Pisuk, Marie Tomanova and Isik Kaya to name just a few.
The Gomma Grant jury continuously includes a variety of high ranking professionals and a selection of up-and-coming personalities of the industry; offering photographers the opportunity to have their work seen by the best.
To support photographers on their creative journey and help them to refine their work, Gomma offers reviews to every photographer taking part in the contest. The Gomma Photography Grant will be open for submissions on September 1st 2023.
A bit of history... Gomma has come a long way since the first Gomma Magazine came out in 2004. Throughout the years, Gomma has been actively promoting photographers and their work. Gomma worked with internationally renowned artists, such as Roger Ballen, Anders Petersen, Michael Ackerman, Momo Okabe, Keizo Kitajima, Araki and Daido Moriyama. And helped kick-start the career of emerging talents such as Marco Marzocchi, Theo Elias, Harit Srikhao, Igor Pisuk, Marie Tomanova and Isik Kaya to name just a few.
Gomma Magazine Issue 3
from Gomma®
Gomma Magazine
Issue 3
MONO
Volume Twos
MONO
Volume Two
Gomma Black & White Awards 2023
The exclusive hard-cover book
Gomma Black & White Awards 2023
The Dedicated Book
Meet our 2023 Jurors
Bonnie Pong-Wai Ma
Editorial and Publishing Manager at Zen Foto Gallery.
Bonnie Pong-Wai Ma
Editorial and Publishing Manager at Zen Foto Gallery.
Bonnie Pong-Wai Ma has years of experience as an editor, designer and coordinator in the field of art and photography publishing. In addition she has extensive knowledge in translating and interpreting in three different languages.
At her current position in the Zen Foto Gallery in Tokyo she is responsible for the coordination of publications as well as photography exhibitions. One of her strongholds is the editorial design for photo-books, especially limited editions, portfolios and exhibition catalogues
Darin Mickey
Chair of the Creative Practices Program at ICP
Darin Mickey
Chair of the Creative Practices Program at ICP
Darin Mickey is a prominent figure in the field of photography. He serves as the head of the Creative Practice program at the esteemed International Center of Photography (ICP). He is also a renowned author and writer, contributing to publications like Aperture, the New York Times Magazine, VICE, and more. Darin's exceptional photography has earned awards and exhibitions worldwide, including in prestigious institutions such as the Brooklyn Museum of Arts and the Metropolitan Museum of Art Watson Library Collection.
Karen Harvey
Creative Director of Shutter Hub
Karen Harvey
Creative Director of Shutter Hub
Karen Harvey is an accomplished figure in photography and creative leadership. She has been recognized with numerous awards, including the Global X Foundation Award for Innovation in 2018, the Digital Influencer of the Year at the Holland Press Awards in 2019, and she was a finalist in the NHB Awards for Entrepreneur of the Year in 2020. Karen's consulting expertise extends to a diverse range of individuals and creative businesses, including well-known brands like Fujifilm, Lotus, and PPHE Group. As the Creative Director and Founder of Shutter Hub, Karen has fostered a global network that offers photographers opportunities, support, and networking. Shutter Hub Editions, a specialized photo-book publishing house, is one of her recent initiatives.
Linda Zhengova
Editor at Discarded magazine and GUP
Linda Zhengova
Editor at Discarded magazine and GUP
Linda Zhengova is a Czech photographer and writer who currently lives and studies in the Netherlands. She finished her BA at Leiden University in 2018 and in 2019 she graduated from MA in Media Studies (specialization in Film and Photographic Studies) at Leiden University with distinction (cum laude). In addition recently, she graduated with a Photography BA at the Royal Academy of Art in The Hague. She contributes regularly to GUP Magazine, EEP Berlin, and Discarded Magazine. She is also the curator of XXX: a new publishing project by Discarded Magazine showcasing the vision of contemporary erotic photography.
Michael Kirchoff
Editor in Chief of Analog Forever Magazine
Michael Kirchoff
Editor in Chief of Analog Forever Magazine
Michael Kirchoff is a distinguished figure in the world of fine art photography. He holds the role of Editor-in-Chief at Analog Forever Magazine, serves as the Founding Editor for Catalyst, a platform for photographer interviews, and contributes as an Editor at One Twelve Publishing. His photographic work has earned acclaim from prestigious awards like the IPA Awards, PX3, and Critical Mass. His images have been featured in renowned publications such as L'Oeil de la Photographie, B&W, Esquire, and more. Beyond his photography, Michael is an independent curator, juror, and contributing writer for notable magazines. He also served on the Board of the American Photographic Artists in Los Angeles for a decade.
Rachel Segal Hamilton
Freelance Writer and contributing editor at the Royal Photographic Society Journal
Rachel Segal Hamilton
Freelance Writer and contributing editor at the Royal Photographic Society Journal
Rachel Segal Hamilton is an accomplished freelance writer and editor with a specialization in photography and visual culture. Her work spans across art magazines, book publishers, national press, awards, agencies, and brands. She serves as a contributing editor for the Royal Photographic Society Journal since 2018, overseeing the 'In Focus' section of the award-winning print magazine. Rachel's writing is also featured in Aesthetica, Canon Europe, At Collective, and she authored the book "Unseen London," published by Hoxton Mini Press. Her expertise and contributions have made her a notable figure in the field.
Tom Griggs
Photographer, Editor, Educator, Writer
Tom Griggs
Photographer, Editor, Educator, Writer
Tom Griggs is a multi-talented creative with expertise in photography, editing, education, and writing. Born in the United States and currently residing between Medellín, Colombia, and Mexico City, he earned his MFA in Photography from the Massachusetts College of Art and Design, Boston in 2009. Over the past decade, Tom has been a dedicated educator at institutions like Universidad de Antioquia and Fundación Universitaria Bellas Artes in Medellín. His collaboration with Paul Kwiatkowski, "Ghost Guessed," gained significant recognition and was featured as one of the best photobooks of 2018 in notable publications. Tom's contributions extend to speaking engagements, including his guest appearance at the 2022 ICP event in New York City.
Luca Desienna
Chief Editor Gomma Publishing Ltd
Luca Desienna
Chief Editor Gomma Publishing Ltd
Luca is the founder of Gomma (2004) and the Art Director of Gomma Photography Grant. In addition he is the Chief Director of Gomma Publishing Ltd. He is an award-winning photographer, widely published and featured in international magazines such as Foto8, Eyemazing and British Journal of Photography. His photographs have been used in advertising campaigns by the likes of Diesel and Pepe Jeans. In addition he was the mastermind of the Radical Matter training sessions, with tutors such as Anders Petersen and Michael Ackerman. He graduated in Italy in Photography and Graphic Design and he is accredited as a Teacher of Arts.
Roger Ballen
Renowned Photographer and Artist
Roger Ballen
Renowned Photographer and Artist
Roger Ballen is an iconic figure in the world of photography. His remarkable body of work spans over four decades, showcasing his profound influence and significance as a photographer. Ballen's artistic journey has led him to explore the fusion of photography and drawing, expanding his visual language and creating powerful short films that align with his photographic series. Notably, the collaborative film 'I Fink You Freeky' for the band Die Antwoord gained widespread popularity. With over 25 internationally published books and representation in numerous important museum collections worldwide, Roger Ballen continues to make an indelible mark in the art world. His contributions extend to founding 'The Inside Out Center for the Arts' and the 'Roger Ballen Foundation,' both dedicated to advancing arts education and photography in South Africa.
Claudio Composti
Founder of mc2 Gallery
Claudio Composti
Founder of mc2 Gallery
Claudio Composti is an influential figure in the world of photography as the founder and art director of mc2gallery in Milan, a renowned gallery specializing in photography. He is also the creative force behind the online platform Periscope Photoscouting, which focuses on discovering young Italian and international photographic talents. Claudio's expertise extends to independent curation for collaborative art projects with international galleries and museums. He has worked with institutions such as Camera (TO) for exhibitions dedicated to photographers like Lisette Model, and MaRT (Trento e Rovereto) for a showcase about the Photo Studio Manassè in collaboration with Chiara Spenuso.
John Farrell
Cultural Engagement Coordinator at Glasgow School of Art
John Farrell
Cultural Engagement Coordinator at Glasgow School of Art
John Farrell is a versatile artist, writer, and curator hailing from Glasgow, Scotland. His expertise is reflected in his role as the Exhibitions and Cultural Engagement Coordinator at Glasgow School of Art. Previously, he served as the Exhibition Coordinator at Street Level Photoworks for a significant period. John's artistic work has gained international recognition, and his critical writing has found its place in various books and journals. His contributions have been particularly focused on the works of Robert Frank, and he organized the Scottish premiere of the documentary 'Don't Blink' in 2017, directed by Laura Israel.
Guidelines
The 2023 Gomma Grant contest comes with a few novelties...
We listened to the submitters' feedback and have implemented the following: the possibility to add Titles and Captions to the images
and without rising the submission fees (now for the last consecutive six editions), we have added the possibility to submit additional images.
- 8 to 24 images at 72 dpi (JPGs - sRGB/ RGB)
- minimum 1500 pixels on the longest size.
- Please name your images as follow: Name-Surname-imageNumber.jpg - example: Eugene-Smith-01.Jpg, Eugene-Smith-02.Jpg ...
All technical guidelines are published in the submission form.
- Early Bird Deadline: Saturday 30 September (€ 19,99 for 24 pictures).
- Final Deadline: Wednesday 08 November (€ 35.00 for 24 pictures).
Winners result announcement in February 2024.
We like to reward photographers who do not follow the trends and establish their own, unique aesthetic.
We seek photographers with uncommon ideas, courage, and a distinct personality,
artists, showing us their innermost thoughts, and their souls through their work.
The capability, to investigate your surroundings and your everyday routines and unveil the underlying poetry, drama, and beauty of it, is what we are looking for.
We also strive to award Photographers who capture the awe-inducing rituals, routines and actions, people celebrate on this planet, as well as the harm and destruction they may cause.
Gomma constantly donate to charities battling global crisis.
Gomma does donate regularly to charities and organization around the world battling with current international and ongoing issues.
Gomma Grant past winners
For the complete list of past winners please choose from the upper menu
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Simon Murphy
First Prize Winner - Gomma Photography Grant 2022 -
Uta Genilke
- Gomma Photography Grant 2022 -
Andrea Graziosi
- Gomma Photography Grant 2022
-
Hyunmin Ryu
First Prize Winner - Gomma Photography Grant 2021 -
Emilie Arfeuil
- Gomma Photography Grant 2021 -
Jonas Larsson Folkeson
- Gomma Photography Grant 2021
-
Isik Kaya
First Prize Winner - Gomma Photography Grant 2020 -
Antone Dolezal
- Gomma Photography Grant 2020 -
Salah Benacer
- Gomma Photography Grant 2020
-
Rafael Heygster
First Prize Winner - Gomma Photography Grant 2019 -
Toby Binder
- Gomma Photography Grant 2019 -
Miguel Brusch
- Gomma Photography Grant 2019
-
Tabitha Barnard
First Prize Winner - Gomma Photography Grant 2018 -
Vladimir Vasilev
- Gomma Photography Grant 2018 -
Fatima Abreu Ferreira
- Gomma Photography Grant 2018
-
Marco Marzocchi
First Prize Winner - Gomma Photography Grant 2017 -
Vladimir Vasilev
- Gomma Photography Grant 2017 -
Theo Elias
- Gomma Photography Grant 2017
Wanna be part of Gomma Grant 2023 ?
Gomma Grant 2023 Prizes
· International exposure through Gomma social network and media partners.
· Proposition to esteemed international galleries and curators.
· Own personalized post on Gomma Facebook page and Instagram.
· Proposition to esteemed international galleries and curators.
· Own personalized post on Gomma Facebook page and Instagram.
· € 1000 cash prize.
· Potential publishing deal with Gomma Publishing Ltd and its network
· International exposure through Gomma social network and media partners.
· Proposition to esteemed international galleries and curators.
· Own personalized post on Gomma Facebook page and Instagram.
· Potential publishing deal with Gomma Publishing Ltd and its network
· International exposure through Gomma social network and media partners.
· Proposition to esteemed international galleries and curators.
· Own personalized post on Gomma Facebook page and Instagram.
· € 300 cash prize.
· International exposure through Gomma social network and media partners.
· Proposition to esteemed international galleries and curators.
· Own personalized post on Gomma Facebook page and Instagram.
· International exposure through Gomma social network and media partners.
· Proposition to esteemed international galleries and curators.
· Own personalized post on Gomma Facebook page and Instagram.
· € 200 cash prize.
· International exposure through Gomma social network and media partners.
· Proposition to esteemed international galleries and curators.
· Own personalized post on Gomma Facebook page and Instagram.
· International exposure through Gomma social network and media partners.
· Proposition to esteemed international galleries and curators.
· Own personalized post on Gomma Facebook page and Instagram.
· International exposure through Gomma social network and media partners.
· Proposition to esteemed international galleries and curators.
· Own personalized post on Gomma Facebook page and Instagram.
· Proposition to esteemed international galleries and curators.
· Own personalized post on Gomma Facebook page and Instagram.
· International exposure through Gomma social network and media partners.
· Proposition to esteemed international galleries and curators.
· Own personalized post on Gomma Facebook page and Instagram.
· Proposition to esteemed international galleries and curators.
· Own personalized post on Gomma Facebook page and Instagram.
· € 500 cash prize.
· Potential publishing deal with Gomma Publishing Ltd and its network.
· International exposure through Gomma social network and media partners.
· Proposition to esteemed international galleries and curators.
· Own personalized post on Gomma Facebook page and Instagram.
· Potential publishing deal with Gomma Publishing Ltd and its network.
· International exposure through Gomma social network and media partners.
· Proposition to esteemed international galleries and curators.
· Own personalized post on Gomma Facebook page and Instagram.
Image by © Simon Murphy
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I add captions to my images?
- Yes, with the latest edition you can add Titles and Captions.
- Why should I submit to photo contests?
-
In photography, like in many other creative industries, exposure means jobs. It can open doors to a new collaboration, publishing, and commissions. Photo contests are still a very useful and successful way to get your work known across a wide international audience.
Many photographers probably feel sick and tired of photo competitions, there are simply way too many. Every day we see new photo contests springing up, and it is difficult to decide whether one is more ethical and reliable than another. - Who are the jurors for this year's grant?
- The Gomma Grant 2023 Jury will be announced during the month of September 2023.
- How should I choose a photo contest?
-
We have compiled a brief set of points below. We suggest you follow these points as you question yourself about the photo contest you are thinking of applying to:
a) The year it was established. Find out when the contest started. The older the better. If it's a new contest, investigate the company/organization behind it.
c) The submission fees. Are the fees reasonable? If not, ask yourself why the fees are so high. Are those high fees justifiable?
d) The dimension. If the contest is huge and receives thousands of entries your chances of winning or being shortlisted is, obviously, less than if you take part in a smaller photo competition.
So be very critical about the work you are submitting and about the contest itself. - Why should I submit to Gomma Grant?
- If photo contests were shops, imagine the Gomma Grant like a bijou, quality-focused, collectables shop compared to the Walmart kind of supermarket of the major photo competitions. It depends on what you are looking for and how you would like your work to be judged.
- Your first Gomma Grant was free, why do you charge now?
- Please remember that running a contest for a grant like this one comes with substantial costs - from the submittable.com platform fees, to web hosting/web developing & graphic design costs, to the time-consuming selection process (which can take months), marketing and advertising expenses, etc.
- How long does the selection process take?
- The jury begins their assessment on 11th November 2023 and it ends on February 2024.
- Copyrights and Rights Usage information?
- For Copyrights and Rights Usage information: https://www.gommagrant.com/copyright2022.html
- Are multiple entries allowed?
- Yes, you are allowed to submit more than one entry, as long as the images are from different bodies of work.
- I started this 'ongoing' project a long time ago, can I still submit it?
- Yes, it does not matter when you started this work.
- Is it possible to edit submissions?
- Editing submissions will be possible upon request.
- Do you accept submission from two photographers?
- Yes, if you create a work with another photographer you can submit jointly.
- Do you accept AI generated images?
- No, fully generated AI images are not allowed.
- WHY SHOULD I SUBMIT TO GOMMA GRANT?
- We represent the uncommon, the exquisite, and the bizarre. If photo contests were shops, imagine the Gomma Grant like a bijou, quality-focused, collectibles shop, of specialties and oddities, compared to the Walmart kind of supermarkets, selling value items, representing the major photo competitions. You decide, what you are looking for and how you would like your work to be judged and presented.
Latest News Recent achievements by Gomma Grant shortlisted and winners.
Saturday 04, November 2023
Twice Gomma Grant shortlisted Gian Marco Sanna has published a stunnning photobook titled: Paradise.
Published by Artphilein.
"Earth is Heaven and Hell is not noticing it" Jorge Luis Borges
Saturday 30, September 2023
Uta Genilke, Second Prize Winner at the 2022 Gomma Grant, has signed with Witty Books and published an outstanding book. Titled: Replikant. She described as followed: 'the book shows my nocturnal adventures. When I went out one winter evening and met a new man, my dreams disappeared, and I never saw my lover again'.
Tuesday 08, August 2023
Simon Murphy, the winner of the Gomma Photography Grant 2022, in addition to the cash prize won an exclusive publishing contract with Gomma Publishing Ltd and his first publication will be launched in October 2023. The photographer as per contract will be also enjoying a 10% on net sales proceedings.
Monday 07, August 2023
Sarah Mei Herman, Honorable Mention at GPG 2021, has been shortlisted for the renowned Parasol Foundation Prize for Women in Photograph. The prize celebrates the outstanding talent of women photographers and provides a powerful platform to showcase their work.
Sunday 06, August 2023
Having been shortlisted twice at the Gomma Photography Grant before, Oliver Raschka, has successfully published his series TWEEN as a hard-cover book. Congratulations to Oliver! The book depicts his sons' journey through the labyrinth of the "Tween" years. In sixty black and white photographs, the transition to adulthood is eloquently captured as sometimes loud, sometimes quiet - and full of nuances.
Tuesday 18, October 2022
David Cossini, the receiver of the 2021 Gomma Grant GNF Award, is the winner of the Percival Photographic Portrait Prize - Acquisitive Prize, $10,000. Congratulations to this very talented and daring photographer:
Thursday 30, June 2022
Hyunmin Ryu, the winner of the 2021 Gomma Grant, has received two LENSCULTURE Critics’ Choice Awards, respectively from Elizabeth Renstrom The New Yorker
and Claartje Van Dijk FOAM.
Friday 10, June 2022
Gomma Grant 2020 Işık Kaya publishes together with Thomas Georg Blank her first book: Second Nature. Published the renowned Kehrer Verlag. Softcover with open spine in slipcase 24 x 33 cm 112 pages and texts by: Amy Clarke and Ziad Mahayni.
Prix Levallois, France | 10 April 2021
Isik Kaya, the First Prize winner of the 2020 Gomma Grant, won the Audience Award
at the renowned Prix Levallois.
New Book | Out soon
Salah Benacer, whom received the Third Prize at the 2020 Gomma Grant, is about to publish his new photobook: "I am a Berika".
Firs Prize award | 2021
Aaaron Yeandle, shortlisted Gomma Grant 2020, received first place, in the open theme category, for the Fine Art Photography Awards.
Foam Talent, Berlin | 20 October 2020
Simone Sapienza, Best Rising Talent at Gomma Grant 2018, selected to exhibit at FOAM Talent 2020 ✨
In collaboration with the Deutsche Börse Photography Foundation and C/O Berlin.
New article | Out now
Camillo Pasquarelli, Best Rising talent at Gomma Photography Grant 2019, is featured in the renowned "il Reportage" magazine.
New Book | Out Now
SELECTED AS ONE OF THE BEST DUTCH BOOK DESIGNS 2019, Margaret Lansink new book '
The Kindness of One' is now available for purchase.
New Book | Out Now
Awarded at PHOTO-EYE BEST BOOKS 2019 – Favorite Book of the Year chosen by Dewi Lewis
BOOK PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR ...
New book | Out now
Marie Tomanova, Best Rising talent at Gomma Photography Grant 2018, has signed with Paradigm Publishing.
Marigold Warner | 14 April 2020
The winner of the Gomma Grant 2019, Rafael Heygster, is interviewed and featured in the renowned British Journal of Photography...
Why submitting to Gomma Grant?
We represent the uncommon, the exquisite, and the bizarre.
If photo contests were shops, imagine the Gomma Grant like a bijou, quality-focused, collectibles shop, of specialties and oddities, compared to the Walmart kind of supermarkets, selling value items, representing the major photo competitions.
You decide, what you are looking for and how you would like your work to be judged and presented.
We're Ethical
Gomma Grant rewards the work, not the name, and not the curriculum vitae. We award photographers regardless of their past success or network. We look at the works with fresh minds and eyes freed from any dogma or modus operandi.
We're Longstanding
Gomma started almost 20 years ago, in 2004 from a south London basement-flat. We are established but still young because we don't want our many years of experience to steal our freshness and our beginners' minds.
We have Magic
There is something magical and awkward and stylish at the same time about Gomma. We are pretty unique with a constant out-of-the-box attitude. We don't believe the hype and don't follow any trends. We are the trend makers.
We love Simplicity
We don't like articulated slogans and sophisticated vocabulary. We believe that the arts should be for everyone. And this is why from this year we have made it simpler to submit your work for the grant.
We're not money-driven
Gomma is run by a few artists that have their own means of economic nourishment from other jobs. So we don't know too much about profits and business. That is why from this year, due to the recent dramatic circumstances we have decided to donate all our net profits to charities.
We're Supportive
We do not just award cash prizes because we also push both the winning and shortlisted works. Photographers that are recognized through the Gomma Grant are known to have grown their career to a higher level, both professionally and artistically.
Media Partners
