The Saltzman Prize is awarded annually by the Saltzman Family Foundation, and was conceived by CPW Trustee Lisa Saltzman. The prize pays tribute to Ralph and Muriel Saltzman, both passionate collectors, passionate art patrons, and art philanthropists. Interview.
Your journey as both a photographer and a philanthropist is quite unique. How do these two roles intersect for you, and how has your own artistic practice influenced the way you support emerging photographers?
Lisa Saltzman : I am passionate about both my photography and my philanthropy and both are really important to me and as a photographer I understand what emerging photographers experience.The prizes, my initiatives, are there to support them.
You’ve established photography prizes in collaboration with institutions like CPW and figures like Annie Leibovitz. What do you look for in the photographers these prizes support, and what kind of impact do you hope they will have on their careers?
Lisa Saltzman : I do not nominate the photographers at this point. I have elected to have them selected by luminaries and icons in the world of photography and I hope that the prizes comprised of an honorium, exhibition and publicity has a profound robust positive impact on their career.
You’ve said that this feels like an opportunity to pay homage to your parents. What are the key lessons you learned from them in terms of their collecting and philanthropy?
Lisa Saltzman : I could not have had better role models. My parents were passionate art collectors, patrons and philanthropists, I learned from them they taught me well and I have made my own mark. I am carrying the torch. I am really grateful to have had them as parents and miss them.
In addition to the Saltzman Prize, CPW has supported emerging photographers for decades through its Woodstock AIR program and exhibitions. From your perspective, what makes CPW’s approach unique, and why is it important to support institutions like this?
Lisa Saltzman : CPW provides numerous opportunities for artists and fosters community and strives for a more equitable and diverse society through its diverse programming. These institutions are essential as they truly benefit the artists journey and the values of these kind of institutions are truly important.
Many emerging photographers struggle with visibility and financial support. Beyond grants and prizes, what do you think the photography world needs to better nurture and sustain new talent?
Lisa Saltzman : I believe photographers have to be proactive and tenacious in their pursuit and new talent is increasingly being discovered through social media.
Photography has undergone major shifts with digital and AI-driven technologies. How do you see these changes affecting the way young photographers develop their craft and find opportunities today?
Lisa Saltzman : Photography has evolved and is continually evolving. Digital and AI offer more experimentation and that is a good thing.
