Organizer: PHOTO IS:RAEL in collaboration with the Zvi and Ofra Meitar Family Fund

Location: Tel Aviv, Israel, global online submission

Deadline: 12 March 2026 (regular registration deadline), 12 April 2026 (submission deadline)

Competition Category:
- Photography art (no specific category restrictions, accepts all photography styles and themes)

Eligibility:
- Open to photographers worldwide
- Submissions must be body of work demonstrating excellence in the field of photography

Entry Fee:
- Regular registration (until 19 March 2026): $35
- Late registration (from 20 March 2026): $45

Prizes/Awards:
- 20 finalists will be showcased in a group exhibition at the International Photography Festival in November 2026 in Tel Aviv
- The winner will receive a $14,000 grant, composed of a personal grant of $2,500, curatorial guidance, and the production of a solo exhibition that will be part of the 2027 International Photography Festival
- The winner gains international exposure and industry recognition

Core Introduction: The 2026 Meitar Award for Excellence in Photography is an international photography competition organized by PHOTO IS:RAEL in collaboration with the Zvi and Ofra Meitar Family Fund, marking its tenth edition this year. The competition aims to recognize a body of work that demonstrates excellence in the field of photography. A professional independent jury of leading international professionals will review all shortlisted candidates anonymously and select a photographer who demonstrates thought, quality, originality, and excellence in photography, as well as the potential to create a comprehensive body of work suitable for a solo exhibition. The 20 finalists will be showcased in a group exhibition at the International Photography Festival in November 2026 in Tel Aviv, and the winner will receive a $14,000 grant for the production of a solo exhibition.