On March 2nd, at the PhotoVogue Festival, the winner of the MPB Grant was announced. Ukrainian artist Kristina Podobed, selected by MPB and PhotoVogue, received a €5,000 voucher to purchase used photo and video equipment—a direct investment in her creative journey. The reveal was a highlight of the festival, and attendees were invited to join the celebration and meet this year’s grantee in person.

Podobed’s series, This Too Shall Pass, was chosen by MPB for its sensitive portrayal of femininity. The work blends delicacy with quiet strength, exploring how identity is shaped through the body amid inevitable change. Inspired by Ukrainian folklore, Podobed captures life’s fragility and a calm acceptance of death, which in turn highlights life’s preciousness. Through her lens, femininity becomes an act of surrendering to life’s unpredictability, and an ending transforms into a beginning that surpasses expectation.

MPB is the largest global online platform for used photo and video gear, making it easy, fair, and accessible to buy, sell, and trade camera equipment. Founded in 2011 by Matt Barker, MPB operates on the idea that great gear shouldn’t cost the earth. Today, the company serves photographers and videographers across the UK, U.S., and Europe, recirculating over 615,000 cameras, lenses, and accessories each year—keeping gear in use longer and creativity alive. Every item is individually inspected by specialists and comes with a warranty, so choosing used never means sacrificing quality. By extending the life of creative equipment, MPB helps reduce waste and the carbon footprint of the industry, proving that used doesn’t mean used up.

MPB is proud to support the festival’s Women by Women initiative, which celebrates the female gaze and uplifts a diverse global community of visual storytellers. This partnership reflects a shared commitment to making visual storytelling more inclusive, representative, and accessible, while supporting the next generation of photographers and videographers shaping the future of the field.

Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs Amplifying Womens Voices The MPB Grant at PhotoVogue Festival

Basics Eligibility
What is the MPB Grant at the PhotoVogue Festival
Its a grant program supported by MPB that provides funding mentorship and a platform to women and nonbinary photographers to help them develop and showcase their work

Who can apply for this grant
Women and nonbinary photographers of any nationality or age You dont need to be a professional but you should have a strong developing body of work

Is there an application fee
No applying for the grant is completely free

When do applications open and close
Dates vary each year You should check the official PhotoVogue Festival website or their social media channels for the most current deadlines and announcements

What kind of photography projects are they looking for
Projects that have a clear narrative a unique perspective and align with the festivals mission of amplifying underrepresented voices All genres are considereddocumentary art portrait etc

Application Selection Process
What do I need to submit for my application
Typically youll need a project proposal a selection of images from the series a statement and a biographyCV Always check the specific years guidelines

How is the winner selected
A jury of industry experts from PhotoVogue and the photography world reviews all submissions They look for artistic merit the strength of the narrative and the projects potential impact

Can I apply with an ongoing or unfinished project
Yes you can apply with workinprogress The grant is often intended to help you complete or further develop a project

What if Ive applied before and wasnt selected Can I apply again
Absolutely You can reapply with the same project if it has evolved or with a completely new one

Benefits Practical Details
What does the winner receive
The grant includes a financial award mentorship from PhotoVogue editors and industry professionals and the opportunity to present the work at the PhotoVogue Festival

Is the mentorship a big part of the grant
Yes The mentorship is a key benefit offering guidance on refining