Judges' Advice for PhMuseum 2022 Women Photographers Grant Applicants

Alessia Glaviano (Vogue Italia), Amanda Hajjar (Fotografiska), Hoda Afshar (Photographer) and Jane'a Johnson (Foam) share with us what they will value at the moment of reviewing this year's submissions.

When you consider applying to an open call, one of the most relevant aspects you should consider is the panel of judges. Knowing who they are, which is their background and work experience, is not only important to assess the credibility of the open call, but also an important aspect to take into account at the moment of presenting your work. To help you, we went talking to the judges of our current prize, the PhMuseum 2022 Women Photographers Grant.

Alessia Glaviano, Head of Global Photo Vogue and Director of Photo Vogue Festival, is one of the most influential figures in the industry. She thinks that this grant "is very important to celebrate and support women photographers. A lot has been done in the past few years to diversify what has been for too long a white western heterosexual male dominated environment, but challenges remain a reality and there is still a long way to go to achieve gender equality. I hope we will see meaningful projects." On a similar page is the Artistic Director of Foam Fotografiemuseum Jane'a Johnson who comments that "the Women Photographer’s Grant is invaluable because it allows for women to be rewarded for their creative work, while filling the gap of opportunity. For me, photography is at its best when it reaches beyond representation. I am looking for projects that show imagination—a quality which women have in spades."

"I’m looking forward to seeing original concepts that push the boundaries of traditional presentations of photography - says Amanda Hajjar, the Director of Exhibitions at Fotografiska in New York. "I hope this grant to be a celebration of diversity, championing underrecognized voices and storytelling." A relevant advice in time where that value is very important and the Internet a powerful output to stand out and share your message. Acclaimed photographer Hoda Afshar share her thoughts, with a sepecial attention to the approach: "I'm looking for works that engage with the world creatively and responsibly, and projects that use alternative strategies for picturing it. Hoping for works that help us see better, or alter, in small ways, our understanding of our place here. I'm curious to see a world pictured through women's eyes."

Powerful suggestions that are probably well sinthesize by Alessia Glaviano finals considerations: "I hope to see works that are conscious, that show awareness, that could break stereotypes. Photographs that are aesthetically powerful, in line with what has become my motto: when ethics meet aesthetics." Hoping this will be useful and inspiring, take your time to preaper you applicantions carefully, enjoying this year's opportunity and taking the most out of it. The deadline is set for 6 October, you can find all the info and apply here.

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The PhMuseum 2022 Women Photographers Grant is currently open for submissions. Its aim is to empower the work and careers of female and non-binary professionals of all ages and from all countries working in diverse areas of photography. To learn more and apply, visit phmuseum.com/w22. Early Bird Deadline: 15 September, Final Deadline: 6 October