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Library

Topic: Visual journalism
Conference

Visualising Climate 2026

"Visualising Climate is the first global conference on data visualisation for climate and environmental sciences. Bringing together scientists, artists, communicators, and journalists, this event will serve as a meeting point between data and storytelling, evidence and perception, art and science. Over three days of talks, workshops, and informal conversations, participants will delve into how data can be visualised to inform, engage, inspire action, and influence policy. This summit is a space to share tools, techniques, and case studies that push the boundaries of visual narratives, foster interdisciplinary collaboration and co-creation, and empower change through data visualisation."
  • Where: Bologna, Italy
  • When: November 4–6, 2026
Fellowships & Grants

BanffPitch

"Are you developing a film project that celebrates mountain culture, adventure, mountain sports or the environment? Are you looking for funding opportunities and support? The Banff Centre Mountain Film and Book Festival is proud to announce the return of BanffPitch, its newest initiative to support emerging filmmakers in pitching their film ideas to an international jury in front of a live audience. Hosted at the Banff Centre Mountain Film and Book Festival, five applicants will be selected and invited to pitch their project. The winning pitch will receive a $25,000 CAD cash award to support their film project. BanffPitch is open to emerging filmmakers of all nationalities and all ages." Deadline: June 30, 2026.
Video

Compelling Climate Visuals and Where to Find Them

"Join Covering Climate Now and Climate Visuals for a special webinar about how to visualize climate change with videos and stills, for print and TV. Learn more about visual databases where you can source imagery, with Alastair Johnstone-Hack of Climate Visuals and Hilary Ogali of Wikimedia. Hear from photographer Justin Cook about his process for reporting and creating climate visuals, with a focus on solutions. Come with questions!"
Fellowships & Grants

Knight-Risser Prize for Western Environmental Journalism

JSK Journalism Fellowships at Stanford

"Good environmental journalism changes things. It puts a name to what was once invisible, and makes people care about places and problems they might never otherwise encounter. This is the idea behind the Knight-Risser Prize. And after a decade of recognizing outstanding published work, we’re doing something different: Starting in 2026, the prize will help fund the reporting before it happens. "Up to $10,000 is available to support an enterprise or investigative environmental story set in the western United States, which is defined as all states west of the Mississippi River, including Hawaii and Alaska. "The Knight-Risser prize is open to reporters, photographers, radio and audio journalists, television and video journalists, and documentary filmmakers working in the United States." Deadline: June 2, 2026.
Awards

Dom Phillips and Bruno Pereira Contest for Communication and Journalism in Defense of the Environment, Indigenous Peoples and Traditional Communities

Government of Brazil

"The initiative seeks to recognize and contemplate communication and media education works dedicated to the protection of the environment and the defense of the rights of indigenous peoples and traditional communities and freedom of expression. ... The contest includes works published or aired from January 2023, divided into six categories: 1) Text Reporting; 2) Photojournalism and Visual Arts; 3) Audiovisual Reportage; 4) Indigenous Communication; 5) Communication of Traditional Communities; and 6) Media Education. ... The amount of R$300 thousand [approximately USD$58,000] will be distributed as a financial incentive to the top three in each category. Those selected in first place will receive R$30 thousand; the runners-up, R$15 thousand; and the third, R$5 thousand." The contest, open to journalists, popular communicators, artists and researchers over 18 years old, is free to enter. Deadline: May 21, 2026."
Awards

DIG Awards

DIG Documentaries Investigations Journalism - ETS

"The DIG Awards acknowledge excellence in journalism and encourage the work of reporters who use video and audio to investigate current social, economic, technological, environmental and political issues." 2026 call for entry. Deadlines:
  • “Video” and “Audio & Podcast” categories: June 6, 2026 (non-monetary prizes; opportunity to be screened at the 2026 DIG Festival, September 23-27 in Modena
  • “DIG Pitch «Matteo Scanni»” category: June 15, 2026 (for documentaries in development; includes funding of up to €15,000)
Film competition

Banff Mountain Film Competition

Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity

"The Banff Centre Mountain Film and Book Festival is a programming-driven, competitive event bringing the best films and books on mountains and the spirit of adventure from around the world to the mountain town of Banff, Alberta. The Festival provides an opportunity for filmmakers and writers to meet and exchange ideas."
  • Categories include adventure, climbing, environment, mountain culture, short, feature and more
  • $35,000 CAD in cash prizes to be awarded, as well as consideration for inclusion on the World Tour which screens in over 40 countries
Fellowships & Grants

Doc Society Fund

"The Doc Society Fund is dedicated to cinematic non-fiction storytelling that uncovers the architecture of power: the systems, structures, and ideologies driving our global present in a time of rising authoritarianism and political entropy, stories that help us imagine the better futures we all deserve. We are granting on a quarterly basis." Rolling deadline. Submit an Expression of Interest.
Fellowships & Grants

Roy W. Dean Grant for Filmmakers

"The Roy W. Dean Grant funds independent films that are unique and make a contribution to society that, without its help, might otherwise never get made." Grants range from $3,000-3,500, along with up to $20,000 in services and discounts for production and post-production. Grant application fee waivers are available for those in financial need. 2026 deadlines:
Resource Database / Guide

Visualizing Climate Litigation

Climate Visuals

"Limited to familiar photographs of people on court steps, or stock images of corporate offices, the visual language of climate litigation is often restricted to depicting a technical process or functioning as surface-level illustration alongside text. But what about the realities of the human and environmental stories being fought in court? Photography can bring those realities into sharp focus for audiences, connecting technical details and context with relatable, engaging, human stories. ... This resource, informed by conversations across the litigation, photography, journalism and NGO sectors, aims to provide practical guidance for making and distributing engaging visual storytelling of climate litigation, making the most of the opportunities that effective photography offers, and helping to get the right images into the right hands and in front of audiences."
Awards

50X50: Science Across America

"50X50: Science Across America is a new YouTube series by the Independent Media Initiative (IMI) to uncover the most compelling science in America. We’re partnering with 50 creators and 50 scientists across each of the 50 states to publish 50 videos in celebration of American science. From physics to chemistry, agriculture to biomedicine, geology to astronomy, 50X50 Science explores science as it exists everywhere. Each creator will profile a researcher in their native state to create a panorama of American science, and share it on their own YouTube channel for a platform-wide takeover spanning 50 days. ... Videos will roll out region-by-region across the United States starting in September and ending in November, 2026. The 50 creators will be selected by early April 2026. ... 50x50, together with production partner HHMI Tangled Bank Studios, has access to many of the country’s most exceptional scientists. If you're in search of a story, we can help matchmake."
Fellowships & Grants

Arab Documentary Film Program

The Arab Fund for Arts and Culture

"The Documentary Film program supports creative documentary films in the Arab region. The program welcomes submissions by Arab directors of feature-length documentary film projects that are in development, production or post-production phases, as well as short and medium-length documentaries in production and post-production. The Documentary Film program provides annual grants up to USD 10,000 for development grants, up to USD 50,000 for production grants for feature-length films and USD 20,000 for short and medium-length documentaries, and up to USD 25,000 for post-production grants for feature-length films and USD 10,000 for short and medium-length documentaries." Deadline: April 2, 2026.
Awards

National Wildlife Photo Contest

National Wildlife® magazine’s annual photo contest supports the conservation mission of the National Wildlife Federation. It's open to amateur and professional photographers. Entry fee is $20 to enter up to 10 photos for a chance to win one of 18 cash prizes, including the $5,000 grand prize. Deadline: March 22, 2026 extended to March 29.
Video

Making the Invisible Visible: Why Science Illustration Matters

"Illustration is a powerful and important tool for conservation, bringing science to life and presenting complex information in an engaging format. In this episode, we are continuing our exploration of the role of art in science communication and research with two other talented artists, Maya Hutagalung and Dr. Madison Sankovitz. Rachel and I have had the good fortune to work with them both over the last few months because they have been Science Illustration Interns here at the Xerces Society. "
Fellowships & Grants

Nick Oza Visual Fellowship

Altavoz Lab

"The inaugural Nick Oza Visual Fellowship will uplift one emerging or mid-career documentary photographer who tells the stories of their own community in Arizona and New Mexico (we will consider other surrounding underrepresented regions in the Southwest depending on need). Duration: 1 year total." Deadline: Feb. 23, 2026.
  • "Fellowship Stipend: $15,000. Additional funds will be available for projects with a strong public engagement plan.
  • Mentorship: Fellow will virtually meet with Roberto “Bear” Guerra, Visuals Editor at High Country News, every month and in person at least three times throughout the year.
  • Personal Development Opportunities: Fellow will receive a one-on-one review with leading visual editors and photojournalists to refine their craft and expand professional networks. Plus, the possibility of securing national publication to further showcase the work.
  • Build Community: Fellow will join a dedicated cohort of like-minded community-based journalists at Altavoz Lab, with opportunities for further mentorship and professional development."
Awards

RJI Pictures of the Year International Competition

"Pictures of the Year International began as a photographic contest in 1944 by Cliff Edom at the Missouri School of Journalism in Columbia, Missouri. ... POY is an educational program. Connecting students and the public with the curated work in POY shows the value of photojournalism and allows people to interpret the news and historic events through an empathetic lens." POY comprises Pictures of the Year International (deadline Jan. 18, 2026),  CPOY (College Photographer of the Year), POY Latam (Latin America; biannual, next in 2027) and POY Asia. POY International has 83 categories, including Science & Natural History, Science & Natural History Picture Story and Environmental Vision Award, some with cash prizes.
Awards

NPPA Best of Photojournalism

National Press Photographers Association

"Photojournalists bear witness to history on a daily basis. They stand on the sidewalks and sit in the living rooms of neighborhoods internationally with a shared mission to inform the public. Through well-researched stories and the documentation of life events, audiences rely on these journalists to ethically inform them of what is happening in their communities and to give an understanding to why specific moments in time should matter to us all. The Best of Photojournalism recognizes the ways in which this type of photography is produced and it proudly honors the journalists who do it. It also recognizes all of the steps it takes to execute compelling still and video imagery in the modern news era." Multiple categories, including science. Deadline: Jan. 18, 2026.
Film competition

Wildscreen Official Selection

The biennial Wildscreen Festival's "Official Selection showcases creative and bold stories that spark positive and restorative action for our natural world, acting as a global launchpad for new and diverse voices. From short and feature films to extended reality productions, the Official Selection platforms new voices, original stories and vital messages about nature. ... The Official Selection is separate from the Panda Awards, our industry and craft-focused film competition." The 2026 festival takes place Oct. 19-22 in the UK. Enter your film by February 24 (earlybird); April 16 (regular); May 13 (late).
Awards

BigPicture Natural World Photography Competition

"BigPicture encourages photographers from around the world to contribute their work to this competition that both celebrates and illustrates the rich diversity of life on Earth and inspires action to protect and conserve it through the power of imagery. Chaired by award-winning conservation photographer Suzi Eszterhas, BigPicture welcomes high-quality nature, wildlife and conservation images and is open to all photographers around the world. Enter your work for a chance to win cash prizes and be exhibited at the California Academy of Sciences." Deadline: March 1, 2026 extended to March 8. A discount is available to women photographers during February, through to the extended deadline, with the code WILDWOMEN30.
Events

Wildscreen’s Science in Storytelling Online Event

"Science in Storytelling is back, and this time we’ll be completely online! We’re bringing the 2026 edition of Science in Storytelling to you in the comfort of your own home, or wherever you happen to be; on shoot or out on location in some remote corner of the world. This event brings scientists and filmmakers together in a symbiosis of minds to learn, collaborate and share how best to keep science at the heart of our natural world stories." The event aims to:
  • Highlight the importance of nurturing relationships between those with knowledge, and those that want to share it.
  • Platform successful case studies of scientists and filmmakers coming together to communicate science effectively and creatively.
Awards

Wildscreen Panda Awards

"The Wildscreen Panda Awards honour the very best in natural world storytelling craft globally. The world-renowned Panda Awards have been the heart of the Wildscreen Festival since they were presented at the first Festival back in 1982. They celebrate the very best in the natural world storytelling craft and remain the highest honour in the international wildlife film and TV industry." The 2026 festival takes place Oct. 19-22 in the UK. Deadlines: February 24 (earlybird); April 16 (regular); May 13 (late).
Awards

World Press Photo Contest

"The annual World Press Photo Contest recognizes and celebrates the best photojournalism and documentary photography produced over the last year. Entering is free and prizes include up to €10,000, inclusion in our annual traveling exhibition, and more. Entries for the 2026 World Press Photo Contest will open on 1 December 2025 and close on 17 January 2026."
Fellowships & Grants

New America’s Fellows Program

"New America invests in thinkers — journalists, scholars, filmmakers and public policy analysts — who generate big, bold ideas that have an impact and spark new conversations about the most pressing issues of our day. Fellowships begin in September and run through May annually. $15,000-$30,000 stipend provided and you may stay in your current job, coming together for two cohort gatherings during the fellowship year, each lasting two-three days and held in Washington, DC." Deadline: Feb. 2, 2026.
Events

GeoCinema at EGU26

European Geosciences Union

"After last years' success, GeoCinema is back for EGU26 [May 3-8]! If you’ve shadowed a scientist in the lab, filmed fantastic spectacles in the field, or have produced an educational feature on the Earth, planetary or space sciences, we want to hear from you! GeoCinema features short clips and longer films related to the geosciences, and from animations to interviews, all films are welcome. If you would like to contribute to this popular event, please fill out the submission form by 5 December 2025." Films will be shown both in person and livestreamed to the virtual audience.
Events

Environmental Film Festival in the Nation’s Capital (DCEFF)

"Since 1993, DCEFF has been the premier showcase of environmental films. Each March, we bring the world’s largest green film festival to museums, embassies, universities, and other cultural institutions across Washington, DC. In addition to the many thousands of audience members we serve with our in-person programming, DCEFF offers year-round virtual screenings to passionate and environmentally-conscious viewers across the United States and the world." The 2026 event runs March 19-28, with the theme "Against the Current." Films in any genre can be submitted for consideration by Dec. 1. Cash prizes available.