Hasselblad Award

Hasselblad Award
Name	Hasselblad Award
Description	International photography prize
Presented	Erna and Victor Hasselblad Foundation
Country	Sweden
First awarded	1980

Hasselblad Award. The Hasselblad Award is an international photography prize, widely regarded as one of the most prestigious honors in the field. It is presented annually by the Erna and Victor Hasselblad Foundation in Sweden to a photographer recognized for major achievements. The award was established in memory of Victor Hasselblad, the inventor of the Hasselblad camera system, and aims to promote scientific research and education in photography.

History and establishment

The award was conceived following the death of Victor Hasselblad in 1978, with the inaugural prize presented in 1980. The establishment was guided by the provisions of his will, which created the Erna and Victor Hasselblad Foundation to administer his legacy. The first recipient was the American photographer Ansel Adams, setting a high standard for the award's future. The foundation's creation was formalized under Swedish law, with its headquarters in Gothenburg.

Selection process and criteria

The laureate is chosen by an international board of directors, which includes experts from institutions like the International Center of Photography and the Museum of Modern Art. Nominations are solicited from a global network of nominators, including curators from the Tate Modern and the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. The primary criterion is recognition of a significant contribution to the art of photography, irrespective of nationality. The board's deliberations are confidential, and the final decision is ratified by the foundation's board.

Recipients and notable laureates

Recipients represent a diverse array of photographic practices and nationalities. Early laureates included masters like Henri Cartier-Bresson and Richard Avedon. The award has honored pioneers of color photography such as William Eggleston and conceptual artists like Sophie Calle. More recent winners have included documentary photographers such as Susan Meiselas and artists exploring digital frontiers like Trevor Paglen. The list also features influential figures from Japan, South Africa, and across Europe.

Impact and significance in photography

It is considered a career-crowning achievement, often compared to a Nobel Prize for photography. Winning the award significantly elevates a photographer's international profile, leading to major exhibitions at venues like the Centre Pompidou and the Guggenheim Museum. The associated publication and symposium contribute to scholarly discourse, influencing programs at institutions like the Royal College of Art. The award has helped legitimize photography within the broader contemporary art world.

Award ceremony and associated events

The award ceremony is typically held at the Gothenburg Museum of Art in Sweden. The event includes the presentation of a gold medal, a diploma, and a substantial monetary prize. A key associated event is a public symposium featuring the laureate and other international experts, often streamed globally. A major retrospective exhibition of the winner's work is organized, frequently touring to other museums such as the Fotografiska or the Art Institute of Chicago.

Funding and administration

The award is funded by the endowment of the Erna and Victor Hasselblad Foundation, which manages the assets from the Hasselblad company sale. Administration is handled by the foundation's board and a small secretariat based in Gothenburg. Financial operations and governance comply with regulations from the Swedish Tax Agency. The foundation also grants research funds to institutions like the University of Gothenburg and supports the Hasselblad Center.

Category:Photography awards Category:Swedish awards Category:Culture in Gothenburg