Leica has announced the introduction of the **LOBA Women Grant**, aimed at supporting female photographers across the globe. The application period for this new initiative will commence on **February 11, 2026**, and conclude on **March 15, 2026**. This grant is part of Leica’s commitment to fostering creativity among women in the photography field.
This new grant will be integrated into the company’s flagship competition, the **Leica Oskar Barnack Award (LOBA)**. Alongside established categories such as Main and Newcomer, the LOBA Women Grant will specifically focus on empowering women photographers by providing substantial funding to support their creative endeavors. The grant is designed for professional women photographers aged **21 and over**, who can apply for funding for either ongoing or new projects.
The LOBA Women Grant offers an endowment of **10,000 euros**, equivalent to approximately **$12,000**. In addition to financial support, recipients will receive a **Leica Q camera** and ongoing assistance from Leica during the implementation and production phases of their projects. The work of grant recipients will be showcased during the Leica Oskar Barnack Award exhibition, beginning at the company’s headquarters in **Wetzlar**, Germany, before traveling to various Leica Galleries and photography festivals worldwide.
Karin Rehn-Kaufmann, Art Director and General Representative of Leica Galleries International, emphasized the importance of this initiative: “In addition to a critical approach to our societal, ecological or political challenges, we want to encourage women photographers to submit projects that, in particular, present hopeful perspectives or reveal ways to bring about change.” This sentiment underscores the grant’s focus on projects that illuminate positive transformations in society.
The theme for the LOBA Women Grant is open, allowing entrants to explore a wide range of topics. Nevertheless, the LOBA committee typically favors photographic series that examine the relationship between people and the environment, whether social, cultural, or ecological in nature.
This initiative builds on Leica’s long-standing history of supporting women photographers, which began with the launch of the **Leica Women Photo Award** in **2019**. Since its inception, the award has expanded to include participants from regions such as the **United States**, **Canada**, **Mexico**, and the **United Kingdom**. With the introduction of the LOBA Women Grant, Leica aims to extend its outreach and provide greater opportunities for female photographers worldwide.
The launch of the LOBA Women Grant reflects a growing recognition of the need for diverse voices in photography and the arts. By offering financial support and a platform for visibility, Leica is taking significant steps towards creating a more inclusive environment for female talent in the photography industry.
