The new LOBA Women Grant launches in 2026 as part of the Leica Oska Barnack Award (LOBA). The new project funding category is aimed specifically at female photographers.
The LOBA Women Grant will offer female photographers the opportunity to realise a new image series, which will be presented as part of the LOBA. Building on the experience gained through the previous Leica Women Foto Project Award, initiated by Leica Camera USA in 2019, the new LOBA Women Grant is now going global. In light of the ongoing gender imbalance within the field of photography, the LOBA Women Grant will provide female photographers worldwide with recognition and visibility.
© Priya Suresh Kambli, from the Archive as Companion series; 2025 Leica Women Foto Project Award winner
Like the other LOBA categories, the LOBA Women Grant recognises photographic series exploring the richly nuanced relationship between people and the environment in all its complexity.
“In addition to critically engaging with social, ecological, or political challenges, we encourage female photographers to submit projects that offer hopeful perspectives, document inspiring solutions, or visualise pathways to change. Series that encourage and highlight positive change are an equally important part of the discourse.”
Karin Rehn-Kaufmann, who, as Art Director and Chief Representative of Leica Galleries International, also leads the LOBA
The LOBA Women Grant is aimed at professional female photographers aged 21 and over, who can apply for the funding directly. Following the submission phase, the LOBA jury selects one of the candidates and facilitates completion of her series in time for the next LOBA round the following year. The LOBA Women Grant series will subsequently be included in the LOBA shortlist.
The LOBA Women Grant amounts to 10,000 euros. The selected applicant will additionally receive a Leica Q-Camera and professional support throughout the project implementation and production period.
Timeline
Applications for the first LOBA Women Grant open on 11 February 2026 and close on 15 March 2026.
Registration
From 11 February to 15 March 2026, applicants can register at the link below and upload their project concept.