Leica Introduces New Leica Oskar Barnack Award (LOBA) Women Grant for Female Photographers

Images credit: Priya Kambli

As part of its centenary celebrations, Leica Camera AG has announced the launch of a new global grant aimed specifically at female photographers. The LOBA Women Grant is the latest addition to the Leica Oskar Barnack Award (LOBA) programme, offering substantial financial support and international recognition to help bring a new photographic project to life.

Unlike the existing LOBA Main Prize and Newcomer categories, which recognise completed bodies of work, the LOBA Women Grant is focused on supporting a project concept. The recipient will receive €10,000, a Leica Q camera and professional guidance to help them realise their proposed project, which will then be featured as part of the LOBA exhibition the following year.

This move builds on the experience of the Leica Women Foto Project Award, originally started by Leica USA in 2019, and extends its reach to a global scale. It’s also a response to the ongoing gender imbalance in the photography world. By offering both funding and a major platform, Leica aims to amplify female voices and perspectives in documentary photography.

The grant is open to professional female photographers aged 21 and over from around the world. Applicants don’t need to be nominated to apply. Instead, they can submit their own project proposal, whether it’s an entirely new idea or an existing one in progress. Projects must align with LOBA’s overarching theme of exploring the complex relationship between people and their environment.

Karin Rehn-Kaufmann, LOBA leader and Leica Galleries International Art Director, says the initiative is designed not only to highlight urgent social, ecological and political issues, but also to shine a light on stories of hope and change.

Applications for the first LOBA Women Grant will be accepted from 11th February to 15th March 2026, with full details available at www.leica-oskar-barnack-award.com.

Summary

Applications open from 11 February to 15 March 2026. The selected photographer will receive €10,000, a Leica Q camera and professional support to complete their project.