Hariban Award 2026

The Hariban Award is run by Benrido, a Kyoto-based collotype atelier founded in 1887 — over 130 years of continuous practice. Collotype is a 19th-century printing technique that achieves an unusually rich tonal range without screens or halftones; it was widely used through the mid-1900s before color printing replaced it commercially. Benrido has preserved the process since around 2000, making it one of the few remaining collotype workshops in the world.

The 2026 cycle is the 13th edition of the award. Approximately 3,700 entries have been submitted across all editions to date.

The Grand Prize is a fully funded two-week artist residency in Kyoto collaborating directly with Benrido's master collotype printers, plus a solo exhibition the following year and publication in the official catalogue. The Juror's Choice and Benrido Award winners receive catalogue publication and a free Collotype Academy course at Benrido.

Submissions are 8 to 12 black-and-white photographs at a $40 to $50 entry fee. AI-generated work is accepted. The 2026 jury comprises Diane Dufour (Founder & Artistic Director, LE BAL Paris), Erin O'Toole (Curator & Head of Photography, SFMOMA), KIM Jeong Eun (Founder, THE REFERENCE Seoul), and Leo Rongone (photographer and CEO of Moncler). The 2026 cycle is open April 1 through June 15; results announced September 15.