10×10 Research Grants: Cycle 5 (2026-2027)

For the fifth 10×10 Photobooks cycle (2026–2027), three grants of $2,500 each will be awarded to support submissions contributing to a forthcoming publication on the history of photobooks from Africa and its diaspora.

Overview

10×10 Photobooks is pleased to announce a new grant cycle and call for applications as part of its annual photobook research grants program to encourage and support scholarship on under-explored topics in photobook history.

They invite proposals for photobook research on Black identity, Africa, and the African diaspora. The concept of the photobook for your study can be interpreted in the broadest sense possible: classic bound books, portfolios, personal albums, unpublished books, zines, digital media, scrapbooks, posters, or other ephemera. The evaluation of proposals will consider the importance of the proposed topic, how significant and/or unknown is the subject, and the strength of the proposed approach.

Practical Info

Applicants must complete the grant form in English.  The application includes a description of the project and a brief bio. The program is open to anyone (researchers, writers, editors, curators, etc.) regardless of organizational affiliation, academic status or discipline, or nationality.

Applicants should not have a pre-existing grant for the specific work being proposed.  Priority is given to new research (not currently funded). If there is existing support, applicants should describe that support in the notes field along with how the proposed research differs from that already funded.

10×10 Photobooks will award three grants for this 5th cycle for 2026-2027 cycle in the amount of $2,500 each, which will be paid in two increments during the course of the project.

Grantees are expected to present the result of their research in a 15 to 20-minute Zoom presentation along with an approximate 1500 word printed essay, including illustrations and photographs. Final research needs to be in English and will be due within a year of the grant being awarded. 10×10 will assist where able and desired with in-progress review, identifying information, making introductions, etc. 

The jury is composed of Amy Sall, Diane Frankel, and Mariama Attah.

About 10×10 Photobooks

10×10 Photobooks is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization with the mission to foster engagement with the global photobook community through an appreciation, dissemination and understanding of photobooks. Founded in 2012, 10×10 offers an ongoing multi-platform series of public photobook events, including reading rooms, salons, publications, online communities, and partnerships with arts organizations and institutions.