The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA) has introduced the VMFA Aaron Siskind Award, aimed at recognizing excellence in contemporary photography. This award honors the legacy of Aaron Siskind and acknowledges the contributions of the Aaron Siskind Foundation, which supported photographers for 28 years through its Individual Photographer’s Fellowship.
“Supporting artists is a core part of our mission, and the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts is proud to fund photographic artists through the Aaron Siskind Award,” stated Alex Nyerges, Director and CEO of VMFA. He added that these awards would provide recipients with significant financial resources to pursue major artistic projects.
The award is open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents who primarily work in photography. It targets early- to mid-career artists as well as established photographers committed to their craft but lacking critical recognition.
The objective is to support photographers in completing meaningful projects such as photographic series, exhibitions, or books. Dr. Sarah Kennel, VMFA’s Aaron Siskind Curator of Photography and Director of the Raysor Center, will oversee the annual program. She noted that “Aaron Siskind had a profound influence on generations of photographers” and expressed pride in supporting innovative photographers whose work reflects creativity akin to Siskind’s spirit.
Entries are invited from artists using still photo-based media, with applications available online from July 1 through September 1, 2025. A panel comprising Kaitlin Booher from Columbus Museum of Art; Brendan Embser from Aperture; and Carla Williams will evaluate submissions based on artistic vision strength and project significance.
Two winners will receive $25,000 each for their creative endeavors. The awards will be announced in November 2025.
In 2020, VMFA received over 8,000 photographs by Aaron Siskind from his foundation when it ceased operations. This collection transfer recognized VMFA’s commitment to photography and its fellowship program.
Located in Richmond, Virginia, VMFA is one of America’s largest comprehensive art museums. Established in 1936 as a state agency and educational institution, it aims to collect and interpret art while encouraging arts study. Its collections include Fabergé pieces outside Russia and notable American art collections among others.
For more information about the museum or application guidelines for the award visit www.VMFA.museum or call (804) 340-1400.
