SIYU Award 2026

Ten Swiss or Switzerland-based artists will be presented in an exhibition in Zurich, Switzerland, along with the chance to receive CHF 5,000, CHF 3,000, or CHF 2,000 cash prizes.

Overview

Formerly known as the vfg Young Talent Award, the call stands as one of Switzerland’s most significant platforms for emerging photographers. For this edition, the competition has been significantly bolstered by the introduction of the Alois Ottiger Grant, which provides substantial financial backing and production resources to the winners. The award aims to discover and promote fresh, authentic photographic voices across all genres, offering ten selected finalists the opportunity to showcase their work in a professional context through a touring exhibition and a high-quality catalog.

The prize structure includes three main cash awards: CHF 5,000 for the first prize, CHF 3,000 for the second, and CHF 2,000 for the third. Beyond the cash prizes, SIYU provides critical support for the production of exhibition prints and covers the costs associated with the publication of the official catalog. The ten finalists will have their work premiered at Photobastei Zurich in October 2026, marking a major milestone for their professional visibility within the Swiss and international photography scenes.

Practical Info

The competition is open to Swiss or Switzerland-based photographers up to the age of 39. To participate, applicants must submit a coherent series of 3 to 8 images along with a project description and a conceptual sketch detailing how the work should be presented in an exhibition space.

Following a review by an independent jury of industry experts—including Virginie Otth (teacher, photographer, and visual artist, Lausanne), Bassma El Adissey (freelance curator and art historian, Zurich), and Gregor Brändli (filmmaker and photographer, Basel)—the finalists are typically announced in June, coinciding with major art events like Photo Basel. The cycle culminates in the autumn award ceremony and exhibition opening in Zurich.

About SIYU

SIYU Professional Photography Switzerland is a photography-based professional association. As such it is its task to realise and represent the common interests of its members. SIYU distinguishes itself with professionalism, expertise, a sense of responsibility, a willingness to innovate and the photography of its members.