James Balog Earth Vision Awards

Submit a portfolio of 10-20 environmental photographs with a statement of experience and a proposal for future work.

Does this fit your work? 5 questions score every call to your medium, location and budget. Free.

Deadline: 36 days left
Entry fee: $25
Award: $40,000
Location: Denver, Colorado
Exhibition window: Mar 1, 2027
Applicants notified: Jan 1, 2027

Heads up: this show’s exhibition window can overlap other calls you enter - the same piece can’t hang in two places at once.Check conflicts →

About

Overview

The James Balog Earth Vision Awards (JBEVA) are biennial juried prizes that support photographers responding to complex environmental issues through their work. Photography is recognized as a uniquely powerful medium that shapes environmental attitudes, perceptions, and values.

Key Dates

September 1, 2026: Call for proposals opens
October 1, 2026: Call for proposals closes
January 2027: Award winners announced
March 2027: Award presentations at Denver Art Museum

Eligibility

Open to photographers worldwide
Must be 21 years of age or older at time of submission
May apply as individuals or collectives (not both)
May only submit once per round
Previous winners and finalists are ineligible for future rounds

Awards

First prize: $40,000 ($30,000 at award time and $10,000 twelve to eighteen months later)
Finalist: $25,000 ($19,000 at award time and $6,000 twelve to eighteen months later)

Media & Requirements

Portfolio of 10-20 environmental photographs
Concise artist statement (~500 words) describing first-hand experience with locations/subjects and their environmental significance
Concise project proposal (~500 words) explaining work you hope to do with the award and its anticipated impact
Resume or list of exhibitions, publications, public lectures, and/or reviews

Judging Criteria

A three-member jury of expert photo professionals will review entries. Images may be literal and documentary or symbolic and interpretive. The jury will not consider fabricated photographs, photographs involving cloning, excessive color manipulation, or AI-generated content.

Terms & Conditions

Winners and Finalists must attend the award presentation event and give a public presentation
A travel stipend will be provided
Three prints of winning work must be submitted as gifts to the Denver Art Museum (delivered within 18 months)
Award balance paid after prints are received and added to collection
Permission required for DAM to use images for promotion

Contact

Denver Art Museum Email: [email protected]

Media accepted

photography

Award: First prize: $40,000 ($30,000 at award time and $10,000 twelve to eighteen months later); Finalist: $25,000 ($19,000 at award time and $6,000 twelve to eighteen months later)
Entries per artist: Up to 1
Theme: The awards recognize photographers who respond to complex environmental issues through their work, whether addressing positive, inspiring, negative, or distressing impacts.
Eligibility: Open to photographers worldwide who are 21 years of age or older and demonstrate sustained commitment and significant accomplishment in environmental photography.
Audience: Photographers 21 years and older; open internationally
Contact: [email protected]

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