Leica Camera AG Introduces LOBA Women Grant for Female Photographers Aiming for 2026 Launch

On November 12, 2025, Leica Camera AG unveiled an exciting new initiative: the LOBA Women Grant. This grant aims to empower female photographers by providing funding for innovative project concepts and image series. The launch aligns with Leica's centenary celebrations, marking a significant milestone in the brand's dedication to photography.

The LOBA Women Grant expands upon the successful Leica Women Foto Project Award that began in 2019. It seeks to address the gender imbalance in photography by offering enhanced recognition and visibility for women photographers globally. The grant is specifically aimed at professional women aged 21 and over, devoid of existing nominators, thus inviting individual submissions with detailed project proposals.

Applicants are encouraged to present either new or existing projects. Once the submission window closes, an annually changing jury will review applications, selecting a winner whose project will be showcased in the subsequent LOBA exhibition. The grant is valued at €10,000, and the recipient will also receive a Leica Q-Camera and ongoing professional support throughout the project lifecycle.

The thematic scope of the proposed projects is diverse, yet they must adhere to LOBA guidelines that recognize photographic series capturing the complex relationship between humanity and the environment. Leica’s Art Director, Karin Rehn-Kaufmann, emphasized the significance of addressing social, ecological, or political issues while also encouraging submissions that highlight positive change and solutions.

The application window for the inaugural LOBA Women Grant is set from February 11 to March 15, 2026. Further details regarding application conditions can be found on the Leica Oskar Barnack Award's official website.

The first winning series will debut in Wetzlar in October 2027, later touring various Leica Galleries and photography festivals. Leica’s commitment to elevating photographic culture is reflected in its global network of Leica Galleries, educational programs, and prestigious awards. This new grant addition is poised to bolster the legacy of the Leica Oskar Barnack Award while paving the way for increased participation of women in the realm of photography.

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