Providing artists with a transformative opportunity to advance their practices

This initiative is created to encourage the careers of emerging, underrecognized, or overlooked artists who are at a critical juncture in the development of a current body of work, or have produced work that, were it better known, holds the potential to shape the field. See all titles supported by this initiative here.

Aperture nominates and selects one artist annually in consultation with the Joy of Giving Something Foundation (JGS). The award includes an artist honorarium, as well as support for Aperture’s production and administrative costs. There is no application or open call process.

Joy of Giving Something Foundation was established in 1988 by collector and financier Howard Stein as the philanthropic framework for an extensive photography collection. Understanding the profound historical impact of photography and its potential to influence every sphere of human endeavor, Stein envisioned JGS’s role as an advocate for the medium, and to support future generations of image makers. Today, JGS is committed to advancing the art of photography through support for residencies, museums, schools, and community-based organizations. JGS envisions a future of cultural equity, access, and sustainability for visual arts education at every stage of learning. JGS has produced a number of original video series, including The Observer Observed, which documents the artistic process of twenty-four contemporary photographers. The series Art and Science explores the use of photography in scientific research, while Careers in Photography spotlights alternative ways of making a living with a camera.