The Eyes Wide Open 1st Photo Book Grant 2026

Initiated, designed, and organized by the Eyes Wide Open association, the First Photo Book Grant program is intended for photographers who wish to propose a first book project with the support of an independent French publisher.

Overview

The Eyes Wide Open First Photo Book Grant Program, initiated and organized by the association Eyes Wide Open (the cultural production entity of The Eyes label), supports photographers in developing and publishing their first photobook in collaboration with an independent French publisher.

The grant is divided into three categories SAIF Grant for a French photographer or a photographer residing in France, Grant for a woman photographer of any nationality and Grant for a photographer from a Global South country (Africa, Caribbean, Southeast Asia, Latin America, Middle East- The program aims to foster both emerging photographers and the publishers who accompany them, encouraging the creation and production of first book projects.

Practical Info

Applicants must provide a single PDF file (maximum 25 MB) including a project presentation outlining the concept, selected images, excerpts of texts, contributors, and their biographies. A detailed editorial statement (max. 8,000 characters), preliminary mock-up, or, at minimum, an outline of the visual structure of the book, short biographies of all contributor, a provisional production schedule covering the 15-month support period, a provisional budget for the design and production of at least 500 copies, including authors’ rights and manufacturing estimates, and a letter of commitment from an independent French publisher. If applicable, documents confirming partnerships or co-publishing agreements. Applications must be submitted electronically as a single transfer link.

About Eyes Wide Open

Eyes Wide Open is a Paris-based cultural production association dedicated to contemporary photography and visual storytelling. Through publishing, exhibitions, and educational initiatives, it supports emerging and established artists in developing ambitious, critically engaged projects. As the production entity behind The Eyes label, Eyes Wide Open operates at the intersection of editorial practice and artistic experimentation, with a particular focus on nurturing new voices and facilitating the transition from project to publication.