The Prix Virginia is an international prize worth €10,000 that supports female photographers around the world

This is an international photography prize established in France specifically for women artists.
The Prix Virginia is not merely a competition, but an institutional initiative dedicated to promoting the visibility and recognition of women in photography as part of contemporary art.
The prize was founded by photographer Sylvia Schilge as a personal gesture and an extension of her own artistic practice. The women in her family — a pianist, a painter and a sculptor — shaped her outlook and led her to her profession.
Therefore, the creation of the prize is not a formal initiative, but a conscious effort to support and amplify the voices of women in the visual arts.

What is important to understand about the award’s focus
This is not a generic open call, but an award with a clear focus and scope.
It is aimed exclusively at women photographers and focuses not on individual images, but on the artist’s overall statement.
What matters here is not simply a ‘strong photograph’, but a cohesive artistic project that possesses a distinct language, structure and concept. Entries are judged as a series — as a sequence, rather than as a collection of successful shots.

Prizes and Opportunities
The top prize is €10,000.
However, the value of the award extends beyond the monetary prize:
— participation in exhibitions
— attention from curators and institutions
— international visibility
This is a competition that helps participants not just to win, but to establish themselves in the professional field.

Who is eligible
The award is open to female photographers of all nationalities. Projects in the following fields are accepted:
— artistic photography
— documentary photography
— conceptual series
This is not a ‘trial’ format—what matters here is a fully developed series that already reflects the photographer’s perspective and a clear understanding of exactly what you wish to convey.

How to apply
Applications are submitted online via the Award Force platform and require a carefully compiled application package.
You will need: a CV in PDF format, a statement of intent — describing your concept and artistic approach (PDF), and 12–18 photographs (JPG).
The key point is the series: the works must be connected and form a unified visual statement, rather than simply a collection of images.
Technical requirements: JPEG format, 72 dpi resolution, up to 2 MB per file, and a clear file-naming system (number, name, title, date).
They are very particular about presentation — it’s not only what you submit that matters, but also how you present it.

Context and Level
The Prix Virginia is a highly specialised curated award, not a mass open call.
It focuses on selection and perspective, rather than quantity.
This is precisely why participation here is valued: it is not merely about taking part, but about contributing to the discourse of contemporary photography through your own perspective.

The deadline for submissions is 7 May 2026.
The winner will be announced in November 2026.