OPEN CALL: Objectifs Documentary Award

Deadline: Sun, 27 Apr 2025 (2359H SGT)

The Objectifs Documentary Award champions Objectifs’ mission to broaden perspectives through image making, by supporting original voices in visual storytelling in Singapore and the wider region. The Award enables photographers to work on new or existing projects, encouraging them to tell stories about their native communities. It welcomes different creative approaches to non-fiction storytelling, from conventional documentary photography to visual experiments. Projects may be presented in still images or use multimedia.

Successful recipients will be given professional and financial support to work on their projects over a 6 month-long period. The final works will exhibited at Objectifs in May 2026. Deadline for applications is Sunday, 27 Apr 2025 (2359H SGT).

THE AWARDS
1) Open Category
The Open Category is awarded to 1 recipient from Southeast Asia. The recipient will work with curator Syaheedah Iskandar to curate and present a solo exhibition at Objectifs in May 2026, and SGD$8,000 to work on a new or existing body of work.

One finalist will receive a grant of SGD$1,000 to continue their practice.

2) Emerging Category
The Emerging Category will be awarded to 2 recipients from Southeast Asia. Each recipient receives a 6 month-long mentorship with Ezra Acayan, a presentation at Objectifs in May 2026, and SGD$3,000 to work on a new or existing body of work.

One finalist will receive a grant of SGD$500 to continue their practice.

Recipients will receive production and logistical support from Objectifs for the exhibition. Completed works will be promoted on Objectifs’ website and social media channels. If the recipient is not based in Singapore, they will receive financial support for budget flights and accommodation to attend the setting up of and opening of the exhibition and conduct an artist talk/presentation.

SELECTION PANEL
A panel of five jury members will review the application materials. Jury members are:

Ezra Acayan, Photojournalist and two time World Press Photo Awardee. Emerging Category Mentor for 2025
Syaheedah Iskandar, Assistant Curator at Singapore Art Museum. Open Category Curator for 2025
Jessica Lim, Director of Angkor Photo Festival & Workshops. Emerging Category Mentor for 2024
Goh Sze Ying, Curator at National Gallery Singapore. Open Category Curator for 2024
Chelsea Chua, Programme Director, Objectifs Centre for Photography and Film