Mykola Anatskyi Prize 2027: UAH 20,000 for photographers who are citizens of Ukraine for documentary and fine art photography, nominations and self-nominations by 15 November

The State Agency of Ukraine for Arts and Art Education (State Arts Agency) has opened the call for the Mykola Anatskyi Prize in photographic art for 2027. The state prize is conferred annually to honor significant contributions to the development and promotion of Ukrainian photography, as well as the professional artistic recording of events in Ukraine’s contemporary history.

The total prize fund is UAH 20,000. Awards are granted across two categories, and if winners are selected in both, the financial award is split equally between them. Submissions are open to individual Ukrainian citizens via self-nomination or via institutional nominations, with all application dossiers due by 15 November 2026.

What is funded

The competition rewards completed photographic works across two designated categories: documentary (reportage) photography and fine art photography. Applicants may submit either individual standalone photographs or cohesive photographic series.

The award recognizes creative accomplishments that capture modern Ukrainian history or advance national photographic art. Works nominated for the prize must have been created and made publicly accessible within the last 5 years prior to submission.

The prize comes with a total monetary reward of UAH 20,000. If laureates are selected in both categories, the funds are divided equally between the two individuals, with only one recipient selected per category.

Who can apply

Candidates must be individual citizens of Ukraine. The prize cannot be awarded to works that have previously received this award or any other Ukrainian state honors, though past laureates may be nominated again after at least 5 years have elapsed since their previous win.

Nominations may be submitted directly by photographers via self-nomination. In addition, candidates can be nominated by legal entities, including government bodies, local self-government authorities, cultural institutions, educational institutions training specialists in audiovisual arts and media production, creative unions, and non-governmental professional associations.

Conditions and requirements

Submissions by legal entities require the explicit written consent of the candidate. Both the candidate and the nominating entity are legally responsible for the accuracy of all submitted information and supporting materials.

Candidates must submit an extensive portfolio and administrative dossier. This includes high-resolution electronic copies of the works suitable for large-screen viewing, an informal application petition, written consent for personal data processing, a creative professional reference signed by the nominator, an informational background sheet, and copies of identification and tax registration documents.

Practical tip. Collect verifiable public evidence such as exhibition posters, published reviews, and media coverage indicating the exact creation and disclosure dates of your photo series early, as the agency explicitly evaluates public presentation within the five-year window.

How to apply

Applications must be submitted electronically through the candidate’s account in the Registry of Applications and Recipients of State Support in the Cultural Sphere. In the event of documented technical impossibility to use the registry, files may be submitted via email directly to the State Arts Agency.

The deadline for all applications and supporting materials is 15 November 2026. Submissions that do not comply with the formal documentation requirements or that arrive past the established deadline will not be considered.

Applications are submitted on the donor’s page: arts.gov.ua.