call for Applications

What is the profile necessary for a photographer to apply?
Photographers who have established their career through exhibitions and publications, but have not yet enjoyed a mid-career retrospective, are at the ideal stage to apply. The goal of the Prix Elysée is to help place a promising, nationally established photographer onto the international stage and provide major funding to complete an ambitious project and publish a related book.

If my work uses photography, but I do not identify myself specifically as a photographer, can I still apply for the Prize?
Yes. Work submitted for consideration should employ photography primarily, but artists are invited to explore the image. For example, photographic collage or camera-less photography are welcome.

Do I need to be a Swiss citizen to submit a project to the Prix Elysée?
No. The Prix Elysée is open to photographers and artists of all nationalities.

What are the guidelines for projects suitable for the Prix Elysée?
An unpublished photographic project that has never been previously exhibited and has no prior rights’ agreement with other parties or sponsors. This work must not have been submitted to another prize.

Is a video an acceptable project proposal for the Prix Elysée?
No. The Prix Elysée is intended to be an editorial and a photographic prize. Imperatively the photographic project must be suitable for book format.

Can the Museum cover the expenses incurred in the production of my artistic portfolio, with which I apply?
No. The Museum is unable to reimburse expenses related to the production of an applicant’s portfolio.

I already have low quality prints of my work, but they are not A4 format or similar. Can I send these?
No. We stipulate that all entrants submit A4 format or similar.

In what language can my portfolio documents be submitted?
Portfolio materials must be submitted in either French or English. Please refer to the official Prix Elysée rules for more details.

If we are applying as a group of artists, should we fill in one application form per artist?
No. The group appoints a representative who fills in one form on behalf of the group.

Can my portfolio be postmarked for March 14 2022?
Yes, but no entry received at Photo Elysée postmarked after March 14 2022 will be taken into consideration and no exceptions will be made.

Do I need to send my portfolio by registered mail?
No, it is not necessary.

Will I be notified when my portfolio has arrived?
Yes. You will be notified by email upon reception of your portfolio.

Can I retrieve my portfolio?
If you are not selected as a nominee for the Prix Elysée, you have the opportunity to schedule a time to come and retrieve your portfolio from Photo Elysée in person between June and September 2022. No portfolios will be sent by post, and/or returned in any other way. After September 2022 any remaining portfolios will no longer be available. Photo Elysée may decide to archive or destroy them.

Who is an acceptable reference?
A reference must be a reputed professional in the fields of photography, contemporary art, cinema, fashion, journalism or publishing. An established artist recognised in the international art scene can also be a suitable reference.

How many photographers can a reference recommend?
There is no limit to the number of recommendations that may come from one expert. We do, however, reserve the right to contact that individual to discuss her/his recommendation(s) during the selection process, if deemed necessary.

How should the reference’s letter and recommendation form arrive? Can it be sent directly to the museum?
No. All recommendation forms, and letters of reference must be sent with the application portfolio in one envelope. A reference may, however, scan the form and email it to the photographer to print and include in the portfolio.

What do the nominees receive?

• CHF 5’000 contribution
• Important exposure of their work
• Presentation of their work in the form of a group projection at a special event
• Publication of their project proposal in the nominees’ book

What does the winner receive?

• CHF 40’000 for the completion and production of her/his photographic project
• CHF 40’000 for the publication of her/his project book
• Important exposure of her/his work
• Support and guidance by one of the Photo Elysée curators during the production of her/his project and publication of the related book
• A solo projection and book launch at a special event

When will the nominees be notified and how do I know if I am selected?
The nominees will be informed individually in Spring 2022. The list of nominees will be published on the Prix Elysée website in June 2022, after the public announcement.

When is The Nominees’ Book published?
The Nominees’ Book will be published in January 2023.

How long does the winner have to complete her/his project?
The winner has one year to complete her/his project and publication.

Is there a fee to apply to the Prix Elysée?
No. There is no application fee to apply to the Prix Elysée.

When will the Jury be announced?
The Jury will be announced in Spring 2023.

If I have already sent in an unsuccessful application, am I allowed to send it back to participate in this new edition of the Prix Elysée?
We encourage photographers who were not nominated to reapply for the Prix Elysée. However, they must not submit the same project for two consecutive editions (see reply to question ‘What are the guidelines for projects suitable for the Prix Elysée?’).