PARIS, FRANCE.-On Monday, November 13th 2006, the French Ministry of Culture and Communication and the Jeu de paume have announced the laureates of the first edition of the Jeu de paume Photography Prizes amongst the fifteen selected photographers. The Public Prize was awarded to Jürgen Nefzger and the Jury Prize to Jean-Christian Bourcart. Both laureates are awarded 10 000 Euros. Moreover, a group exhibition dedicated to their work, accompanied by a publication, will be shown from 24th April - 3rd June 2007 at the Jeu de paume's site Hôtel de Sully.

At the occasion of the award ceremony, held at the Jeu de paume`s site Place de la Concorde, the President of the Jeu de paume, Alain Dominique Perrin, acknowledged in presence of a large number of guests: "I am delighted to see these Prizes taking over the role as a genuine "springboard" and thus putting into practice one of the essential missions of the Jeu de paume which is to discover talented and promising artists."

Marta Gili, the new Director of the Jeu de paume, emphasised the extraordinary quality of the candidacies and the prospective dimension of the Prizes. They reflect precisely the policy she would like to put into practice, in particular with the "Atelier" which will cover the whole diversity of artistic image production. Olivier Kaeppelin, Delegate of Plastic Arts, underlined on his part "the vitality of the French photography scene" and acknowledged the choice of the jury and the public. "The two laureates testify in an exemplary way the challenge of contemporary photography which can be characterised by its richness and diversity. The works of Jürgen Nefzger and Jean-Christian Bourcart engage distinctive and vigorous views of today's society."

As a result of the deliberation of the Jury, composed of professionals in the field of visual arts, Jean-Christian Bourcart has been selected for the singularity of the two series presented for the Prizes.

On the basis of a widespread, three week media campaign, the organisers of the Prizes counted a total of about 7000 voters which gave a majority nomination to Jürgen Nefzger as the laureate of the Public Prize. This mobilisation has to be considered as a confirmation of the great general interest in contemporary image culture.

To recall the main principles of the initiative: Fifteen photographers were selected for these new Prizes with the central vocation to promote contemporary photographic practices in France, without restriction. In addition to the Jury Prize, the major aim was not only to invite the public to discover new talents, but also to designate one of the laureates by voting for the photographer of their choice.

The success of this first edition confirmed the decision of the Jeu de paume to hold the event every two years.