Cortona On The Move 2025, in collaboration with the BarTur Photo Award, presents the Cortona On The Move | BarTur Grant, an influential photography grant designed to empower visual storytellers worldwide. This internationally recognized initiative supports professional and emerging photographers in developing powerful documentary photo essays that explore contemporary social, environmental, economic, and cultural challenges. By spotlighting critical global issues through compelling visual narratives, the grant elevates photography’s role in fostering awareness, dialogue, and impactful change.
The program underscores Cortona On The Move’s ongoing commitment to promoting innovative photographic projects that challenge perspectives and inspire meaningful conversations. Selected photographers receive substantial financial support, mentorship opportunities, and international visibility, enabling them to pursue their creative ambitions without limitations. By offering distinct categories—including a Grand Prize for established professionals and dedicated support for emerging photographers under 30—the grant ensures diverse representation and encourages participation from a wide spectrum of talent, backgrounds, and creative visions.
Additionally, recipients of the Cortona On The Move | BarTur Grant benefit from extensive global exposure through exhibitions, media coverage, and prestigious industry networks. Their completed projects are prominently showcased during the 2026 edition of the renowned Cortona On The Move photography festival, situated in the picturesque Tuscan town of Cortona, Italy. This high-profile platform provides photographers with unparalleled opportunities to present their work to international curators, editors, collectors, and photography enthusiasts, significantly advancing their careers and amplifying the impact of their visual storytelling.
Entry fee: $20 for the Grand Prize category; free for Emerging Photographers under 30.
Eligibility
Open worldwide to professional photographers; Emerging Photographers category is open to those under 30.
Prize
The Cortona On The Move | BarTur Grant offers a $30,000 Grand Prize to one professional photographer and two $5,000 prizes to emerging photographers under 30. Winners will have nine months to complete their projects, with final submissions due by 15 March 2026. The completed works will be exhibited at the 2026 edition of Cortona On The Move, providing a global platform to showcase their stories.
