Maine Media College is thrilled to announce a generous gift from the Arnold and Augusta Newman Foundation. This exceptional donation of $200,000 will significantly boost the prestigious Arnold Newman Prize for New Directions in Photographic Portraiture, furthering its impact on emerging artists and the broader photography community.
The influential and revered photographer and educator Arnold Newman enjoyed a decades-long association with Maine Media College, where he spent his summers in residence and taught numerous workshops on photographic portraiture. The Arnold and Augusta Newman Foundation has continued this legacy at the College, supporting scholarships, media production, a distinguished lecture series, and the prestigious Arnold Newman Prize in Photographic Portraiture, a juried competition with a cash prize of $20,000 accompanied by an exhibition awarded annually to a photographer whose work demonstrates a compelling new vision in photography. Past Jurors include Sarah Leen, Daniella Zalcman, and Lisa Elmaleh, among others.
This substantial gift is added to the initial $1.125M given to Maine Media in 2020. With this contribution, the Arnold and Augusta Newman Foundation aims to enrich the prize’s offerings and raise the visibility and support provided to talented photographers.
“We are deeply grateful to the Arnold and Augusta Newman Foundation for their extraordinary generosity,” said Provost Elizabeth Greenberg. “This generous gift will allow us to significantly expand the benefits of the Arnold Newman Prize, providing greater support and recognition to emerging photographers.”
The enhanced benefits of the Arnold Newman Prize include a substantial increase in award money for finalists. Finalists will receive $500 each, doubling their recognition for exceptional work. Additionally, the majority of funds will support an annual publication showcasing the work recognized with the prize. This publication will feature the winner, finalists, and honorable mentions and establish a perpetual record of these artists’ formidable contributions into popular imagination.
“Supporting emerging talent and fostering artistic excellence has always been at the core of the Arnold and Augusta Newman Foundation’s mission,” said a spokesperson for the foundation. “We are delighted to partner with Maine Media College to enhance the Arnold Newman Prize, ensuring that it continues to inspire and elevate photographers for years.”
Learn more about the Arnold Newman Prize in Photographic Portraiture, and how to enter your work. View past winners and finalists.
