Taylor Wessing Irish Photo Prize 2026
Inaugural national photography award celebrating contemporary photography in Ireland with €10,000 first prize and exhibition at Photo Museum Ireland.
The Taylor Wessing Irish Photo Prize is a major new national award celebrating outstanding contemporary photography made in and from Ireland. This inaugural prize received over 1,300 entries from a nationwide open call. The 2026 theme is 'Community – Ar scáth a chéile a mhaireann na daoine' (it is in each other's shadow that we live).
Thirty-three artists have been shortlisted, selected from diverse photographic practices including documentary, portraiture, conceptual, and experimental work. The shortlist reflects the vitality of contemporary Irish photography, offering nuanced perspectives on belonging, identity, and collective experience.
The exhibition will be held at Photo Museum Ireland from 22 April 2026 until 24 May 2026. Winners will be announced at a major awards presentation on opening night.
Prize Structure:
- First Prize: €10,000
- Two Runner-up Prizes: €2,500 each
- Thirty Shortlisted Artists: Exhibition honorarium awards
- Taylor Wessing Irish Photo Bursary: Also announced on opening night
This represents the largest combined prize fund for contemporary photography in Ireland. The prize is presented in partnership with Photo Museum Ireland and Business to Arts, establishing a major national platform offering unprecedented visibility and support for photographers at all career stages. The winning work will be included in the Taylor Wessing Irish Photo Prize Collection. The exhibition includes a public programme of talks, tours, and events with national media coverage.