In Vienna interest for photography has been there for a long time, the European Society for the History of Photography has its seat there, and the major Viennese museums feature important exhibitions of photography.

It is therefore only logical that the Vienna International Photographic Awards « VIPA » have been founded in order to renew the photographic heritage of the city nowadays.KUNSTNETZWERK (modern contemporary art gallery and network), Raed Bawayah (photographer), in collaboration with the European Month of Photography « Eyes-On », are pleased to announce the Open Call # 1st edition of the Vienna International Photographic Awards « VIPA 2012 » dedicated to documentary photography.

Participation is open to professional, non-professional and student photographers from any country. Submission must be a single photo or a series, which focus on documentary photo-reportages such as social, cultural, political or environmental issues.

Besides the total value of 7.000 EUR in money prizes the short-listed winners will be published in the VIPA’s official catalogue. The 3 finalists will take part in a group exhibition in November 2012 in Vienna (during the European Month of Photography).  The awards ceremony and the group exhibition opening will be held on the 15th November 2012 in Vienna.

Winners will be selected by our panel of highly esteemed judges: Michael Ackerman (photographer, U.S.), Raed Bawayah (photographer, PS), Carola Dertnig (lecturer at the Academy of Fine Arts in Vienna, A), Thomas Licek (director of « Eyes-On » the European Month of Photography, A), Hannamari Shakya (curator and editor of Photo Raw Magazine, FIN), Horst Stasny (photographer and curator, A).