Galician Documentary Photography Editorial Award 2024

The 4th Galician Documentary Photography Editorial Award supports photographers focused on Galicia, promoting their work through photobook publication. The award coincides with FFoco, the Festival of Photography in A Coruña.

Overview

This September, the call for submissions to opt for the IV Galician Editorial Documentary Photography Award has been opened, thanks to which three photographers who were born, live or carry out their photographic projects in Galicia have already accomplished the milestone of getting their work published. The winner of the first edition, Ana Paes, has just published Orixe ou cuando baje la marea with the publishing house Fabulatorio; the winner of the second edition, Ana Núñez Rodríguez, is about to publish Entre as aguas; and the winners of the third edition, members of the Cadela Negra collective, are already working with Alauda Negra on the publication of their project MAN.

For this fourth consecutive year, the award continues to support and promote Galician photographers by providing them with the necessary resources to publish their work in book format in collaboration with Editorial Dispara.

Practical Info

The open call is open to photographers or groups with a Galician connection—whether through their thematic focus or origin. To enter, participants must submit a series of 30 to 60 photographs in a single PDF document (maximum file size of 20 MB), accompanied by a project description (up to 300 words), a brief biography (up to 300 words), and their contact details. All materials should be sent via email to documentalgalega@gmail.com.

The competition welcomes original and unpublished documentary work that has not been previously published in book format or tied to any third-party publishing rights. Up to eight finalists will be selected by an independent jury of experts to present their work at a screening during the next edition of the FFoco festival.

The winner of this edition will receive a cash prize of 600 euros and the opportunity to have their project published with Editorial Dispara, with all production costs covered by the Acolá Cultural Recreational Association. The final publication will consist of 300 copies, of which the winner will receive 30 non-commercial copies for personal distribution and promotion. For more details, visit the FFoco festival website.

About the Galician Documentary Photography Editorial Award

Established to recognize and promote the work of photographers with ties to Galicia, either thematically or through their personal connection to the region, the award aims to showcase the region's uniqueness through compelling visual storytelling. Organized by the Acolá Cultural Recreational Association, a non-profit entity dedicated to enriching the cultural landscape of A Coruña, this award aligns with the organization's mission to support and develop the careers of local artists and photographers.

Over the years, the award has successfully provided a platform for notable photographers to gain recognition and publish their work. It has been instrumental in amplifying voices that focus on the unique narratives of Galicia, fostering both cultural and artistic dialogue within the region. A significant aspect of the award is its collaboration with publishing partners like Editorial Dispara, which aids in transforming the winning projects into photobooks. By focusing on creating tangible, published works, the initiative has helped bridge the gap between artistic vision and public dissemination, turning photographic projects into lasting contributions to Galician culture. Supported by the Marta Ortega Pérez Foundation since 2022, the award continues to expand its impact, not just through the publication of individual works but also by integrating these projects into larger cultural exhibitions and dialogue in Galicia and beyond.