The Musée de l'Elysée in Lausanne, Switzerland, is launching a new photography prize! The Prix Elysée is open to promising photographers or artists using photography, regardless of nationality, who have already enjoyed their first exhibitions and publications.

Photographers must be recommended by a reputed professional in the fields of photography, contemporary art, cinema, fashion, journalism or publishing. There is no imposed theme or preference for any particular photographic genre or technique.

Deadline for entries: 25 April 2014

Through its exhibitions and the major summer event the Nuit des images, the Musée de l’Elysée supports photographers in the production of their work. A photography prize is another way to fulfill this fundamental mission of the institution. It is in a shared commitment to foster creativity and new work that the Musée de l’Elysée enters into a partnership with Parmigiani Fleurier to launch the Prix Elysée.

"At the Musée de l'Elysée, we think that supporting photographers in the evolution of their career is as important as preserving their art for future generations."– Sam Stourdzé, Director

The Musée de l'Elysée will select eight nominees upon their entry portfolios. Each will receive a contribution of CHF 5,000 towards the initial presentation of an original and new project in the nominees' book, published for the occasion. This book will accompany the nominees' complete portfolios in the final consideration before the jury of experts.

The winner will receive CHF 80,000 to be divided between the completion of the proposed project and the publication of the accompanying book within one year. A curator from the Musée de l'Elysée will advise the winner throughout this process.

Both the project and book will be presented at one of the museum's most important events, the Nuit des images. The nominees' and the winner's books will be printed by one of the Sandoz Family Foundation printing companies.

The Musée de l’Elysée is one of the world’s leading museums entirely dedicated to photography. Since its establishment in 1985, it has improved public understanding of photography through innovative exhibitions, key publications and engaging events.

Images: ©-Jonas-Marguet-et-Matthieu-Lavanchy and ©-Augustin-Rebetez-et-Noe-Cauderay - from Nuit des images

Image of museum: © Yves André