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The Maribor Photobook Award 2025 by The Angry Bat and Društvo za evropsko zavest opens its fifth edition to global photobook publishers, photographers, artists, and designers. This competition celebrates excellence in published or self-published photobooks issued after 1 January 2023 (zines welcomed) under an open theme with a special focus on “Protest.” Submissions must be postmarked by 30 September 2025 and offer a €3,000 Main Prize, plus two €500 awards for the Best Protest Photobook and Best Photobook from Southeast Europe. Selected works will be exhibited at UGM – The Art Gallery Maribor.
To apply, entrants complete a single online form per book via YouForm and mail one physical copy. Each photobook must be fully published—dummy projects are ineligible—and demonstrate strong photography, concept coherence, and high production quality. Customs fees must be prepaid, and late or incomplete submissions will be disqualified. This clear process ensures every eligible book receives fair review.
With international jury evaluation and exhibition exposure in a leading Central European art gallery, the Maribor Photobook Award 2025 offers substantial professional recognition and cash rewards. For more photo challenges to participate, explore our full contest directory.
The Maribor Photobook Award 2025 Prizes
The Maribor Photobook Award 2025 prizes reflect its commitment to innovation in contemporary photobook publishing:
- Main Prize: €3,000 awarded to the overall best photobook.
- Best “Protest” Photobook: €500 for the photobook most effectively addressing social resistance and activism.
- Best Photobook from Southeast Europe: €500 supporting publications from Albania, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Greece, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Romania, and Serbia.
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The Categories of the Maribor Photobook Award 2025
This award does not divide entries into separate categories. Instead, all submissions compete under a single open theme, with an additional spotlight on photobooks exploring “Protest.”
Maribor Photobook Award 2025 Dates and Entry Fees
Submission Deadline: Postmarked by 30 September 2025
Entry Fee: None; participation is free for all creators worldwide
As one of the leading free photography contests, this award removes barriers for publishers and artists.
How to Enter:
Between now and 30 September 2025, complete one application per photobook via the official YouForm link, then mail a physical copy to: Photo book award Maribor, Matej Sitar, Marčičeva 9, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia, EU (Please check these details on the official contest website). Ensure books are published after 1 January 2023 and that customs fees are prepaid.
About the Jury
A distinguished international panel will judge the entries, led by Tanja Lažetić (Ljubljana, Slovenia). The jury also includes Birgit Sattlecker (Salzburg, Austria), Aneta Kowalczyk (Warsaw, Poland), and Grzegorz Kosmala (Vienna, Austria). Their collective expertise in photography, publishing, and photobook curation guarantees a thorough and informed selection process.
Why Enter Maribor Photobook Award 2025?
Participants gain the chance to exhibit at UGM – The Art Gallery Maribor, reaching curators, publishers, and an international audience. This award marries rigorous judging with €3,000 in top prizes and two €500 special awards, spotlighting both global voices and Southeast European creators. As one of the most engaging photo challenges online, it’s a must for photobook innovators. It also ranks among the top free photo competitions for risk-free participation.
Rules and Copyright
This section about the rules and image rights of the Maribor Photobook Award 2025 has been generated automatically. If you are interested in participating in this contest we suggest you review the complete rules provided by the contest.
Rules
- Eligible works: Photobooks published on or after 1 January 2023; self-published or publisher-published; zines welcome. Dummy projects not accepted.
- One entry per photobook; complete and published books only.
- Online application via YouForm plus one physical copy mailed; books postmarked by 30 September 2025.
- Customs fees must be prepaid; incomplete or late entries will be disqualified.
For more information and to participate in the contest, visit: the official website.
