Dust Publishing Prize is a photo book prize for unpublished works by photographic artists.
What will the winner receive?
One winner will receive a photo book designed, edited, printed, and published by Dust Collective, including distribution and promotion. The winner also receives a portion of personal copies of the book from the first print run.
What needs to be included with my submission?
Email a compressed folder of the following to emily@dustcollective.net.
20-40 JPGs, 150dpi, sRGB, and 1200px on the long side
Artist bio (150 words max)
Project statement (250 words max)
PDF or screenshot of application fee payment confirmation
Application fee payment link
When is the deadline?
The deadline is December 6, 2024.
What is Dust Collective?
In 2017, Emily Sheffer founded the publishing imprint, Dust Collective. Each Dust Collective book is skillfully designed, showing a close attention to material and detail, and, above all, embracing the beauty of the photographic image. Dust Collective is run from Emily’s home studio in New England.
The format and design of each book is used to emphasize the meaning of the work within. The materiality of each book is of great importance. The books Dust Collective publish are artworks that you touch, feel, and move. The feeling of the paper, pages, trim size, and act of unfolding, are all part of the experience of the book object.
Dust Collective seeks out photographic projects that are thoughtful and ready for publication.
How does Dust Collective work?
Dust Collective is involved in the publication process from start to finish. We make an edit of imagery, design the book, and bring it to press. Artists are in dialogue with us throughout the process. The artist’s intention for their work is always held at the highest regard.
Edition sizes are typically around one hundred. Dust Collective aims to keep its carbon footprint at a minimum. Acknowledging that artists and publishers make things and use material, it is our goal to avoid unnecessary waste. Print sizes are small, and no expense or material is used unnecessarily.
Though the print runs and distribution is on a small scale, artists who publish with Dust Collective receive a thoughtful, well-designed, and meaningful book at the end of this process.
You are encouraged to become familiar with the Dust Collective catalog to determine if your work would be an appropriate fit.
FAQs
Who can apply?
The prize is open to any artist, collaboration, collective, or group working in the medium of photography.
Should projects have a specific topic or style?
No, any topic or style is accepted. You are encouraged to become familiar with the Dust Collective catalog to determine if your work would be an appropriate fit.
Do you accept late submissions?
No exceptions will be made for late submissions. Please allow for sufficient time to complete your application. The deadline is December 6, 2024.
Who can I contact if I have more questions?
Please email emily@dustcollective.net with any further questions.
What does the application fee go toward?
The $25 application fee goes toward the administration of the award. Application fee payment link.
When is the winner announced?
The winner will be announced in the first half of 2025.
Am I allowed to submit physical prints instead of uploading digital files?
No, we cannot accept any physical applications.
Who is the jury?
The jury is comprised of artists who have previously worked with Dust Collective.