Ephemere Photobook Grant 2026

Ephemere champions the photobook as a physical object that demands to be held, with the aim to discover one artist and fully produce their debut or sophomore monograph.

Overview

The Ephemere Photobook Grant prioritizes projects with visceral resonance over technical perfection—works that feel like they are becoming or un-becoming. Ephemere Tokyo established this initiative to find a singular vision and collaborate with the artist to transform a rough dummy into a finalized monograph in Tokyo, Japan.

Practical Info

Photographers of all ages, nationalities, and genres, regardless of career status, are welcome to apply. A physical book dummy is required. Rough drafts, tape-bound maquettes, or print-on-demand copies are accepted. Due to international logistics, physical dummies will not be returned under any circumstances. Non-shortlisted entries will be archived or responsibly recycled at Ephemere's discretion.

The Grand Winner receives 100% production coverage for a Japan-based, eco-conscious monograph. The grant includes round-trip airfare to Tokyo for the official Book Launch during the Ephemere Photo Fest. Rewards also include global distribution and 10% of the print run as artist copies.

A curated selection of two or more runners-up will be chosen by the jurors based on narrative strength. These physical dummies will be exhibited as a special installation during the Ephemere Photo Fest in October. The exhibition honors works that demonstrate exceptional tactile potential and sequencing.

The shortlist is revealed in April, followed by the Grand Winner announcement in May. The book is officially launched at the Ephemere Photo Fest in October with the artist present.

About Ephemere Tokyo

At Ephemere, members are inspired by the short-lived—the French concept of éphémère—and the Japanese philosophy of mono no aware, which finds a poignant beauty in the impermanence of all things. They explore this truth through personal and meaningful visual narratives, championing the tangible power of photobooks to preserve these fragile memories. Through the annual Ephemere Photo Fest, they foster dialogue and build a community dedicated to celebrating the delicate, fleeting fragments of our world. Ephemere was founded in August 2023 by Anne Murayama.