Magnum Photos and HP have announced the inaugural Magnum Expression Photography Award which aims to raise awareness and inspire change through photography. This year's theme is "Communities."

From the Magnum blog:

A sense of community is at the core of our lives, in some cases it unites us and in others it divides us from one another. This universal force is omnipresent in humankind and our diverse forms of expression, from acts of benevolence and kindness to movements of oppression and isolation. Each manifestation of human action has its causes and effects, its beneficiaries or victims. These impulses and actions are shaped by our individual identities and reflect our collective spirit. The judges urge participants to embrace the theme of communities and consider the expansive nature of how it pervades our lives and affects our perceptions. Participants' submissions may be for a completed project or one that is ongoing.

The award will be juried by four Magnum photographers: Alec Soth, Jonas Bendiksen, Paolo Pellegrin and Susan Meiselas, and one HP large format printing representative will select 20 finalists. The winner will receive a $10,000 grant, HP's large format Designjet Z3200 for fine art printing, archival pigment inks, fine art paper and additional prizes from contributing partners Blurb & PhotoShelter.

There is no fee or geographic constraints to apply and two honorable mentions and the remaining 17 finalists will also receive awards. The award is open for submissions on March 16th and closes on May 31st, 2009. Finalists and winners will be selected in June 2009.

More information and a press kit are available at the Magnum Expression site.