The Santu Mofokeng Foundation Photography Prize recognises and supports emerging photographers working within contemporary photography in South Africa.
By submitting an application, applicants agree to the following Terms and Conditions:
Eligibility
Applicants must be photographers working in contemporary photography.
The Prize is open to artists living and working in South Africa.
The Prize prioritises independent emerging photographers/artists’ groups/collectives. Artists with exclusive commercial gallery representation are not eligible.
There are no restrictions based on age, nationality, or formal training.
Employees, contractors, or immediate family members of the Santu Mofokeng Foundation, Latitudes, or members of the Selection Committee are not eligible to apply.
Submission Requirements
Applicants must submit between ten (10) and fifteen (15) photographic works forming a cohesive body of work.
All submitted works must have been created within the last five (5) years.
Applicants must be the sole author and copyright holder of the works submitted and must hold all moral and intellectual property rights associated with the work.
Images submitted must accurately represent the artworks.
Incomplete applications or submissions received after the deadline will not be accepted.
The Santu Mofokeng Foundation and Latitudes reserve the right to decline applications deemed inappropriate or not aligned with the aims of the Prize, including for exhibition or promotional purposes.
Selection Process
Applications will undergo an initial review conducted jointly by representatives of the Santu Mofokeng Foundation and Latitudes.
Following this review, a shortlist of five artists will be publicly announced.
The Prize Winner will be selected from the shortlisted artists by an independent Selection Committee appointed by the Santu Mofokeng Foundation and convened by Latitudes.
The decision of the Selection Committee is final.
Shortlisted artists will also participate in a public Audience Award, allowing audiences to vote for their preferred artist through an online campaign.
The Santu Mofokeng Foundation and Latitudes reserve the right to withdraw or reassign the Prize should a shortlisted artist or Prize Winner be unable to fulfil the requirements of the Prize, including, but not limited to, issues relating to eligibility, copyright, ethical concerns, or inability to participate in promotional activities associated with the Prize.
Prize
The winner of the Santu Mofokeng Foundation Photography Prize will receive:
• A cash prize of R100,000 awarded by the Santu Mofokeng Foundation
• Editorial and promotional support through the Santu Mofokeng Foundation and Latitudes
• A complimentary artist profile on Latitudes Online
• The opportunity to present their work within a Latitudes programme, which may include presentation at RMB Latitudes Art Fair 2027 or Latitudes Centre for the Arts.
The cash prize will be paid to the Artist within two weeks of the public announcement, subject to the Artist's submission of a valid, signed Prize Winner Agreement and an invoice.
Shortlisted artists or the Prize Winner may be required to sign a separate exhibition participation agreement, where applicable.
Audience Award
The shortlisted artists will participate in an Audience Award determined through a public online voting campaign.
The Audience Award Winner will receive:
• A cash prize of R5,000 awarded by the Santu Mofokeng Foundation
• Editorial and promotional support through the Prize campaign
• A complimentary artist profile on Latitudes Online
Image Rights and Promotion
By submitting work, applicants grant the Santu Mofokeng Foundation and Latitudes a non-exclusive licence to reproduce submitted images for purposes related to the promotion of the Prize.
This may include use in:
• websites
• newsletters
• press and media materials
• social media
• promotional materials related to the Prize
Artists will be credited whenever their work is reproduced.
Copyright of all works remains with the artist.
Ethical Practice
Applicants confirm that the submitted works are their original work and do not infringe the rights of any third party.
Where photographs include identifiable individuals or sensitive subject matter, the applicant confirms that the work has been produced in accordance with ethical photographic practice, including obtaining appropriate consent where required.
Works generated by artificial intelligence systems are not eligible for the Prize.
General
Relatives of members of the Selection Committee are not eligible to apply.
The Santu Mofokeng Foundation and Latitudes reserve the right to amend elements of the Prize if necessary during the course of the open call or award campaign.
Submission of an application constitutes acceptance of these Terms and Conditions.
