When two photo enthusiasts find themselves at the head of historical institutions of photography, they end up organising two awards that will most likely permanently mark the landscape of photo editing. Chris Boot, Executive Director of the Aperture Foundation, and Julien Frydman, Director of Paris Photo, affirm the new dynamic they have injected into their respective institutions by launching a partnership rooted in contemporary forms of the dissemination of photography. If the publication of a book has always been a final goal, this printed and unchanging form is reinforced by new media. These new communication tools stimulate creativity, collaboration and knowledge. Knowledge which is no longer restricted to a limited circle of expert editors. Self-publishing has grown with the proliferation and diversification of distribution channels and everyone is stepping up their inventiveness to give paper life to a series of images. Aperture and Paris Photo have decided to support this exciting boil of creativity by partnering around the presentation of two awards. The first award, described as the best “first photo book” is taken in a broad sense which will allow many authors to participate, making the prize a comprehensive reflection of the plurality of photo editing. The second award to be handed out will go to the best photo book of the year. A significant financial reward is provided to the two winners, while the 30 books shortlisted will tour around Europe and North America. The deadline for submitting books is September 10, 2012. The final winners will be announced at Paris Photo, which will be held from the 15th to the 18th of November 2012. The transatlantic partnership is also a way to announce the U.S. version of the Parisian international photo fair, which will open in Los Angeles in April of 2013.
Laurence Cornet
