SIGMA and Photo Museum Ireland announce the launch of the SIGMA TALENTS Scholarship Awards 2025–2026
Supporting a New Generation of Irish Photographic Talents
Dublin, Ireland — SIGMA and Photo Museum Ireland are proud to announce the launch of the SIGMA TALENTS Scholarship Programme 2025–2026, a new initiative designed to support and spotlight Ireland’s most promising emerging photographic artists. This ambitious programme culminates in TALENTS 2026, an exhibition that will debut in Dublin in autumn 2026.
As part of SIGMA’s ongoing global commitment to supporting creative excellence and expanding the boundaries of photographic expression, the SIGMA Scholarship Programme provides three selected artists with €2,000 development bursaries, exclusive access to professional-grade SIGMA equipment, and creative mentorship from leading curators and photographers.
At SIGMA, we believe in elevating engineering to an art form - and in devoting that engineering to the service of creative expression. Guided by the philosophy "The Art of engineering. Engineering for Art", we have long supported and initiated cultural and artistic endeavours that advance photography and the visual arts.
This partnership with Photo Museum Ireland reflects our deep commitment to supporting the next generation of image-makers, not only through tools but through trust and opportunity."
— SIGMA Corporation
The programme officially launches on September 10, 2025, with a celebration and networking reception at Photo Museum Ireland, attended by invited artists, industry guests, and media. The event will showcase all 18 nominees with the final section to be announced later in the year. Each nominee will also receive a SIGMA magnifying loupe as a token of recognition.
"The SIGMA Scholarship Programme demonstrates our long-term commitment to supporting and nurturing new talent, which will shape the future of photography in Ireland. We are delighted to expand on the Photo Museum Ireland Talents residencies, which support early-career artists through mentorship, production, and exhibition opportunities. With the SIGMA development bursary, we can offer additional support to early-career artists as they establish their professional practice after college.”
— Trish Lambe, CEO of Photo Museum Ireland
Residencies commence in October 2025, offering selected artists time, space, and resources to develop new work at Photo Museum Ireland’s state-of-the-art facilities. Their work will be showcased in the TALENTS 2026 exhibition.
About the SIGMA Scholarship Programme
This initiative offers a vital bridge between graduation and professional practice, providing financial and technical support alongside curatorial guidance. As part of the programme:
● Each artist receives a €2,000 bursary.
● SIGMA will provide loaned camera bodies and lenses.
● Mentorship and monthly review sessions with curators and industry professionals.
● Access to Photo Museum Ireland’s production and darkroom facilities.
● Inclusion in the TALENTS 2026 group exhibition, with a full set print archived by Photo Museum Ireland and one artist print archived by SIGMA.
Programme Launch Details
Launch Date: September 10, 2025
Venue: Photo Museum Ireland, Meeting House Square, Temple Bar, Dublin 2
For more information:
www.sigma-imaging.ie
Photo Museum Ireland official site:
Media Contact
For further information, interview opportunities, or image requests, please contact:
marketing@sigmabenelux.com
sophie@photomuseumireland.ie
Over TIPA
Op dit moment zijn circa 30 publicaties uit Europa en andere delen van de wereld lid van de TIPA (Technical Image Press Association). De hoofdredacteuren en technische redacteuren van deze publicaties vormen samen deze organisatie. Sinds 1991 reikt TIPA onderscheidingen uit in verschillende sectoren binnen de imaging-industrie. In 2018 werd de naam van de onderscheiding gewijzigd in de TIPA World Awards om de huidige samenstelling van de organisatie, haar publicaties én de wereldwijde invloed van de TIPA-onderscheidingen te weerspiegelen.