The LOBA Women Grant, a new category of the Leica Oskar Barnack Award (LOBA) has been introduced to provide project funding for a project concept by a female photographer.
Priya Kambli: Muma, Me and Baba’s shadow. (© Priya Kambli; Source: Leica Camera.)
This means future Leica Oskar Barnack Award (LOBA) awards will not only include awards in the Main Prize and Newcomer categories but will also feature the LOBA Women Grant. Unlike the existing categories, this new grant will be awarded for a project concept, which will be showcased for the first time at the LOBA taking place the following year. The substantial funding provided by the LOBA Women Grant will offer female photographers the opportunity to realise a new project concept and image series, which will subsequently be presented as part of the Leica Oskar Barnack Award (LOBA).
The LOBA Women Grant is aimed at professional female photographers aged 21 and over. Female photographers across the world may apply with either a new project or an existing one. Following the submission phase, the LOBA jury, which changes every year, selects the candidate and facilitates completion of the project in time for the next LOBA round the following year. The LOBA Women Grant series will subsequently be included in the LOBA shortlist. The LOBA Women Grant amounts to 10,000 euros. The selected applicant will additionally receive a Leica Q-Camera and professional support throughout the project implementation and production period. As part of the LOBA award ceremony, the series of the first winner will be shown in Wetzlar in October 2027, following which it will be displayed at various Leica Galleries and featured at photography festivals.
Applications for the first LOBA Women Grant will be accepted from 11 February to 15 March 2026. Full details regarding the requirements, deadlines and conditions for application can be found here.
