Daniel Fazzina

Established in 2008 by the Pictet Group based in Geneva, the Prix Pictet is an international photography award designed to leverage the power of photography to convey messages about sustainability to a global audience. The award aims to identify and honor photography of the highest caliber that addresses pressing social and environmental challenges. The initiative has involved thousands of photographers, with independent juries selecting winners. Over the years, the Prix Pictet has organized numerous exhibitions in various countries, reaching a substantial number of visitors and showcasing the work of acclaimed photographers.

The selection process for the Prix Pictet involves nominations from a global network of photography experts. Nominated photographers are invited to submit a cohesive series of up to ten images centered on the award's theme. The prize operates on an approximately 18-month cycle, with past themes including Water, Earth, Growth, Power, Consumption, Disorder, Space, Hope, Fire, and currently Human. Since 2014, the prize has been presented in partnership with prominent institutions like the Victoria and Albert Museum and the Musée d'Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris. The judging process is conducted in two stages, culminating in the announcement of the winner and the award of a 100,000 Swiss franc prize at an exhibition opening.

The Prix Pictet, founded in 2008 by the Geneva-based Pictet Group, serves as a significant international award in photography with a core mission to communicate sustainability issues globally through photographic art. The award seeks to recognize exceptional photographic work that engages with current social and environmental concerns. Since its inception, the prize has facilitated over 100 exhibitions across more than 25 countries, attracting over 550,000 visitors and showcasing the contributions of numerous photographers. The winners represent a distinguished roster of international photographic talent.

Participation in the Prix Pictet is by nomination, with a diverse group of over 300 nominators worldwide comprising experts from various sectors of the photography industry. These nominators include photographers, gallerists, academics, publishers, and curators. Each nominated photographer is tasked with presenting a focused series of up to ten images that align with the award's thematic focus. The judging procedure involves a two-stage conference to select a shortlist, followed by a review of the shortlisted artists' portfolios. The winner receives a substantial cash prize of 100,000 Swiss francs.

A key component of the Prix Pictet is its extensive exhibition program. Portfolios of the shortlisted photographers embark on a global tour, visiting numerous countries to present their work and the sustainability themes they explore to a broad international audience. Complementing these exhibitions, a book is published for each award cycle. These publications feature the work of the shortlisted artists, along with contributions from the wider pool of nominees and essays by established writers that delve into the award's theme.