Cortona On The Move | BarTur Grant FAQs

 

General Information

Q1: What is the Cortona On The Move | BarTur Grant?
The Cortona On The Move | BarTur Grant is a collaboration between Cortona On The Move and the BarTur Photo Award. This initiative offers grants to professional photographers to support the completion of in-progress documentary projects addressing urgent social, environmental, economic, and cultural issues.

 

Eligibility

Q2: Who can apply for the grant?
The competition is open to professional photographers working in journalism or documentary photography. There are two grant categories:

• $30,000 Grand Prize: For established professionals.

• $5,000 Emerging Photographer Prizes: For photographers under 30 years of age on the submission deadline.

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Q3: What documentation is required to prove professional status?
Applicants must provide at least one of the following:

• Press card indicating work as a photographer.

• Proof of credited publication in a recognized media outlet (2022 or 2023).

• Journalism union membership card.

• Membership in a recognized photography association.

• Recent letter of reference from a photo agency, editor, or media outlet.

• Proof of gallery representation or a documented show.

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Q4: Are team submissions allowed?
Yes, teams of two or more photographers can apply, but the lead member provides proof of professional status.

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Q5: Can I submit a project that has already been published?
No, only in-progress and unpublished projects are eligible. However, previously published photos from a larger ongoing project may be considered if the specific submission has not been showcased.

 

Submission Process

Q6: How do I submit my application?
All entries must be submitted via Picter, the competition’s official submission platform. Applications must include:

• Biography (500 characters).

• CV (2000 characters).

• Project Summary (1000 characters).

• Project Proposal (4000 characters), which includes a budget and timeline for project completion.

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Q7: Is there a submission fee?

• $30,000 Grand Prize: $20 per project (submission)

• $5,000 Emerging Photographer Prizes: free of charge

 

Q8: Can I enter more than once?

No, you can only enter one project (submission) in the 2025 award. This means you can only enter one of the two categories, once. 

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Q9: When is the submission deadline?
The deadline for submissions is 15th April 2025, 23:59 GMT.

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Q10: Can I edit my application after submission?
Yes, applications can be edited until the submission deadline. After the deadline, no changes will be allowed.

 

Judging Process

Q11: Who is on the judging panel?
The Jury comprises internationally recognized professionals, including:

• Directors of photography.

• Picture editors from leading publications.

• Curators and other industry leaders.

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Q12: What is the judging process?
The judging process includes:

1. Initial Screening: Applications are checked for completeness and eligibility.

2. Comprehensive Review: The Jury evaluates submissions based on creativity, relevance, impact, and feasibility.

3. Finalist Selection: Shortlisted photographers are invited to an interactive interview.

4. Refinement Stage: Finalists can refine their proposals based on Jury feedback.

5. Final Selection: Winners are chosen after a final evaluation of refined proposals.

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Q13: What are the judging criteria?
Submissions are judged on:

• Creativity and originality.

• Relevance to competition themes.

• Technical and aesthetic quality.

• Feasibility of completing the project.

• Potential for impact and audience engagement.

 

Awards and Winners

Q14: What do winners receive?

• Grand Prize Winner: 

  • $30,000 cash grant to complete their winning project. 

  • An Exhibition at Cortona On The Move in July 2026.

  • Travel and accommodation to Cortona for the exhibition in 2026.

• Two Emerging Photographers: $5,000 cash each to complete their winning project

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Q15: When will winners be announced?
Winners will be announced at Cortona On The Move Festival on 17th July 2025.

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Q16: Will travel expenses be covered for the winners?
Only the grand prize winner’s travel and accommodation expenses for Cortona On The Move Festival in 2026 will be covered. 

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Q17: Are there additional recognitions?
Yes, up to three Honorable Mentions may be awarded for projects of exceptional merit that do not receive a cash grant.

 

Project Completion

Q18: What is the timeline for completing the project?
The grand prize winner will have nine months to complete their project. The final submission deadline is 15th March 2026.

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Q19: Are there milestones to meet during the project?
Yes, winners must meet three key milestones outlined in their own timeline to ensure steady progress. The milestones will be reviewed by the organizers.

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Q20: Who owns the copyright for the project?
Photographers retain full copyright for their work. However, the organizers have non-exclusive rights to use the work for promotional purposes, exhibitions, and publications related to the competition.

 

Ethical Guidelines

Q21: Are there restrictions on the types of photos accepted?
Entries must adhere to the competition’s Code of Ethics:

• Photos from restricted-access events (e.g., political or corporate events) are allowed, provided the entrant has obtained necessary permissions.

• AI-generated or heavily manipulated images are prohibited. Minimal edits are allowed if they do not alter the image’s original intent.

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Q22: Do I need consent for subjects in my photos?
Yes, entrants must secure consent from identifiable subjects, especially in sensitive contexts. For minors, written consent from a parent or guardian is required.

 

Miscellaneous

Q23: Can I enter if I am associated with the competition?
No, members of COTM / BarTur Photo Award / Visual Storytellers Fund staff, Supervisory Board, and the 2024/25 Contest Jury are not eligible to participate.

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Q24: Can I withdraw my submission?
Entries cannot be withdrawn after the submission deadline unless issues regarding permissions arise.

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Q25: How will my personal information be used?
Your data will be stored securely and used solely for competition-related purposes in compliance with data protection laws.