The Hopper Prize 2025 is an opportunity you won’t want to miss. This bi-annual grant program is designed to support artists and photographers who demonstrate a profound commitment to their craft, offering substantial cash grants and a platform for global visibility. With a final deadline of November 11, 2025, this prize stands out in the crowded field of online photography contests by providing unrestricted funds, allowing winners the freedom to pursue their projects without limitations. With a total of $26,000 awarded annually ($13,000 in each call for entries), this initiative offers a career-enhancing boost to creatives working across all media.
The Hopper Prize is structured around two grant cycles each year, in Spring and Fall, ensuring regular opportunities for artists to gain recognition. Each cycle distributes thousands of dollars in grants and features a shortlist of artists on its digital platform. Participation is streamlined through a straightforward online application process, requiring a $40 submission fee, which allows artists to submit a portfolio of up to ten works. This accessibility, combined with the prize’s reputation for supporting serious artistic talent, makes it a noteworthy event for any artist aiming to make a significant impact with their work. It’s a chance not just to win funding, but to have your portfolio seen by a wide network of curators, collectors, and art professionals before the winners are announced on February 23, 2026.
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The Hopper Prize Prizes
The Hopper Prize 2025 provides direct financial support to artists through a series of substantial, unrestricted cash grants. The awards are distributed bi-annually, with a total of $26,000 given out each year. The prize structure for each of the two grant cycles is as follows:
- Two artists will each receive a grant of $4,500.
- Four artists will each receive a grant of $1,000.
In addition to the grant winners, a shortlist of 30 artists from each cycle is selected to have their work archived on the Hopper Prize website, creating a permanent and prestigious portfolio showcase. The primary awards are significant cash prizes designed to support artists in the continued development of their work.
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The Categories of The Hopper Prize
The Hopper Prize celebrates artistic freedom and does not confine applicants to specific categories. It maintains an open theme, welcoming submissions across all visual art media. This includes, but is not limited to, painting, photography, sculpture, drawing, video, performance, and installation, with the only exception being that sound-based art is not currently accepted. The organizers encourage the submission of work that is conceptual, experimental, or falls under the umbrella of fine art. This inclusive approach allows photographers and artists to submit their most compelling work without concern for thematic constraints, whether it be powerful portrait series or in-depth documentary pictures.
The Hopper Prize Dates and Entry Fees
The Hopper Prize runs two grant cycles annually. The dates for the current Fall 2025 cycle are:
- Deadline: November 11, 2025.
- Winners announced: February 23, 2026.
The entry fee to apply is $40, which allows for the submission of a portfolio containing up to 10 images or videos.
How to Enter:
The application process is designed to be simple and efficient, consisting of two main steps. First, applicants must submit the entry fee on the official website. After payment, they will be automatically redirected to the application form, where they can upload their work and provide relevant details, including contact information and optional artist statements or biographies.
About the Jury
The Hopper Prize has a history of collaborating with leading curators to select grant winners and finalists. However, to protect the privacy, security, and safety of its jurors and to maintain the integrity of the selection process, the organization has made the decision to no longer publicize the names of current or future jurors. This policy ensures that the judging process remains impartial and free from outside influence. Applicants can be assured that their work will be reviewed by esteemed professionals in the field, as evidenced by the archive of past jurors available on the prize’s website.
Why Enter The Hopper Prize?
Participating in The Hopper Prize offers artists more than just the chance to win a grant, it is an investment in their professional careers. The financial awards are unrestricted, providing artists with the flexibility to use the funds for studio time, materials, research, or any other professional needs. Beyond the monetary support, inclusion in the prize (whether as a winner or a finalist) serves as a significant validation of an artist’s work. The opportunity for exposure is extensive; selected artists have their work archived online and are promoted to a global network of curators, gallerists, and collectors. For those looking for the best photo challenges online, The Hopper Prize 2025 offers a credible and respected platform to gain visibility and make meaningful connections within the art world.
Rules and Copyright
This section about the rules and image rights of The Hopper Prize 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
The Hopper Prize is open to all artists aged 18 and older, with no restrictions on geographic location; international artists are encouraged to apply. Submissions can be made by individuals or collaborative teams. All work submitted must be the original creation of the applicant.
Copyright and Image Usage
Artists retain the full copyright to their work. By submitting, applicants grant The Hopper Prize a non-exclusive license to reproduce their art on the prize’s website and related digital channels for promotional purposes. No other usage rights are granted or required.
For more information and to participate in the contest, visit: the official website.
