ESMAD Launches John Goto Prize for Visual Arts Students

The School of Media Arts and Design (ESMAD) at the Polytechnic Institute of Porto has announced the launch of the John Goto Prize, a prestigious competition honouring the renowned British artist-photographer, John Goto. This prize is open to Visual Arts students in Higher Education, specifically in the fields of Photography, Video, Cinema, Digital Arts, Multimedia, Design, and Fine Arts. 

John Goto, celebrated for his innovative approach to photography as a medium for social commentary and cultural critique, left an indelible mark on the art world. His work, often characterised by a satirical edge, explored a wide range of historical, cultural, and socio-political themes.  

The competition invites students to draw inspiration from Goto’s pioneering style and submit their own innovative projects that reflect contemporary issues. Participations can be submitted individually or in groups, and students of any nationality are encouraged to apply. ESMAD will coordinate the exhibition setup for students based abroad. 

Four proposals will be selected by a distinguished panel of artists and researchers, including Álvaro Barbosa, Gemma Marmalade, Fátima Lambert, Olívia Marques da Silva, Paulo Catrica, Paulo Vasques, and Pedro Leão Neto. The winning projects will receive a grant of €1,500 to support the production of their exhibitions, which will be showcased at P. Porto’s exhibition spaces and other partner institutions. 

The deadline for submissions is 14 October. 

Find out more about the prize and how to apply here.