---
title: The Arnold Newman Prize for New Directions in Photographic Portraiture
description: Annual $20,000 prize for a photographer with a compelling new vision in photographic portraiture; three finalists receive $500 each and the Top Ten are published.
url: https://www.artsume.com/programs/b619e5d2-2658-4e8a-8391-f898ddc343ff
type: program
status: closed
createdAt: "2026-09-04"
updatedAt: "2026-09-24"
programType: Prize/award
organization: Maine Media Workshops + College
organizationUrl: https://www.artsume.com/o/maine-media-workshops-college
deadline: "2026-09-23"
entryFee: 65 USD
location: Rockport, ME, United States
isOnline: false
compensationRange: $20,000 unrestricted prize to the winner; $500 stipend to each of three finalists; Top Ten featured in a professionally produced publication with complimentary copies
disciplines:
  - photography
  - portrait photography
---

# The Arnold Newman Prize for New Directions in Photographic Portraiture

**Hosted by:** Maine Media Workshops + College

**Type:** Prize/award | **Location:** Rockport, ME, United States | **Deadline:** September 23, 2026 | **Entry fee:** $65

## About This Program

> "New directions in photographic portraiture"

The Arnold Newman Prize for New Directions in Photographic Portraiture is a $20,000 prize awarded annually to a photographer whose work demonstrates a compelling new vision in photographic portraiture. The jury will select a Top Ten, from which the winner and three finalists will be chosen. The three finalists receive a $500 stipend each. In addition to cash awards for the Prize recipient and Finalists, all photographers selected for the Top Ten will be featured in a professionally produced softcover, perfect-bound publication celebrating the work of the Prize recipient, three Finalists, and six additional photographers recognized in the Top Ten.

It will feature the Prize recipient, selected works by the Finalists and Top Ten photographers, and contextual essays on Arnold Newman's legacy, the history of the Prize, and Maine Media's role as its steward. Each of the ten selected photographers will receive complimentary copies of the publication, with the Prize recipient receiving an expanded allotment to support the promotion of their work. In addition, a limited hardcover edition will be distributed to photography festivals, museum and university libraries, collectors, and partner institutions.

The Prize is generously funded by the Arnold & Augusta Newman Foundation and proudly administered by Maine Media. The core of your submission is a cohesive selection of up to 12 images that demonstrate a strong and consistent vision within the genre of photographic portraiture. The images should collectively reflect your unique approach and sensibility as a portrait photographer.

## Eligibility & Requirements

- **Geographic Eligibility:** International
- **Disciplines:** photography, portrait photography
- **Age Requirements:** 18+ years old
- **Note:** All photographers of any level, 18 years and older, are eligible. Individuals affiliated with Maine Media, including current full-time or part-time year-round employees, board members, and their immediate families (children, siblings, and spouses) are not eligible to enter. Maine Media shall determine winner eligibility in its sole and absolute discretion.

This contest is not available in all countries, states, or provinces where rules translation, registration, or bonding is required and is void where prohibited. Entrants must own and have exclusive copyright to all images they submit. Submission limit: 20.

### Additional Requirements

1. A cohesive selection of up to 12 images (min 8, max 12) demonstrating a strong and consistent vision within photographic portraiture (JPEGs at 300ppi, recommended 1200 pixels on the long edge, files may not exceed 5MB; title files last name_first initial_title_date). 2. Artist Statement about the work you are submitting (500-word limit). 3. A brief bio telling us who you are as an artist. 4. CV. 5. A brief statement about how winning the Arnold Newman Prize would impact and further your career goals.

## Compensation & Benefits

$20,000 unrestricted prize to the winner; $500 stipend to each of three finalists; Top Ten featured in a professionally produced publication with complimentary copies

**Includes:** Prize, Stipend

The winner will receive $20,000. This prize is unrestricted and may be used however the winning artist wishes. Each of the three finalists will receive a $500 stipend. The $20,000 prize is a form of taxable income. All ten selected photographers receive complimentary copies of the softcover publication, with the Prize recipient receiving an expanded allotment; the Prize recipient also receives complimentary copies of the limited hardcover edition.

## Timeline

- **Opens:** August 19, 2026
- **Deadline:** September 23, 2026

## Contact

**Email:** contest@mainemedia.edu

## How to Apply

Apply at: https://www.mainemedia.edu/life-at-mmwc/arnold-newman-prize/