W Eugene Smith Grant for Humanistic Photography

Robin Hammond was the 2013 recipient of the W Eugene Smith Grant for his series Condemned: Mental Health in African Countries in Crisis.

The Competition: The W Eugene Smith Grant for Humanistic Photography, in honour of the renowned American photo essayist Gene Smith, is the most prestigious accolade in the area of documentary photography. Every year, one photographer is selected for the grant based on his exceptional commitment to documenting the human condition.
Every year, a three-member international jury is selected by the organisation’s board of trustees. The selection process is conducted in two phases. During the first session, the jury members sieve through all the entries and make a final selection. After this the selected participants are asked to submit a comprehensive photographic print portfolio, along with a detailed account of their project. During the second and final session, the jury decides who to award the grant to.
Applicants are given the opportunity to submit up to 40 images, out of which a few photos have to be representative of the project that they desire funding for. They will also need to submit images from a project that is ongoing

Prize: The recipient of the grant will receive a cash award of USD 30,000 (approx. Rs.18,00,030). USD 5000 (approx. Rs. 3,00,180) will be awarded to those participants who the jury feel deserve special recognition.

Website: www.smithfund.org/

Entry Fee: USD 50 (approx. Rs. ).

Deadline: 31 May 2014