I Premio de Comisariado José Luis Soler

PHotoESPAÑA and the José Luis Soler Collection launch the first edition of the José Luis Soler Curatorial Award, a call that seeks to give visibility and opportunities to new talents in curatorship, research and cultural mediation.

If you are a novel curator with an innovative vision, this is your chance to submit an exhibition proposal based on the holdings of the José Luis Soler Collection, one of the most valuable photographic collections in Europe.

The winning proposal will be exhibited at the Espacio de Fotografía José Luis Soler (Bombas Gens, Valencia) in September 2025 as part of the Official Section of PHotoESPAÑA 2025.

José Luis Soler Vila (1956-2024) was a Valencian businessman committed to his surroundings, people, and art. Together with his wife, Susana Lloret Segura, and with the guidance of Vicente Todolí, he created a valuable collection of abstract art and photography. His legacy, consisting of more than two thousand photographs by renowned international artists, aims to remain alive and be shared with the artistic community and the public.

The José Luis Soler Collection and PHotoESPAÑA have launched an annual award to honor José Luis Soler, highlight his photographic collection, and support new talents in research, curating, mediation, and cultural management. This award seeks to give visibility to emerging curators, whether Spanish or foreign residents in Spain, from a patronage perspective that also acknowledges their role.

The winning projects will be exhibited at the José Luis Soler Photography Space, located in Bombas Gens, whose renovation was spearheaded by the Soler-Lloret couple. With this initiative, Valencia gains a new cultural landmark, and PHotoESPAÑA expands its reach with its first curatorial award within its official program.