Illuminations Grant 2026

The Illuminations Grant is administered by Queer|Art and funded entirely by visual artist Mariette Pathy Allen. Now in its seventh year (launched circa 2019), the grant supports self-identified Black trans women and trans femmes working in early-career visual art practice and based in the United States.

The grant structure is one main award of $10,000 plus four finalist awards of $1,250 each, for a total of five recipients. Beyond the cash, all recipients receive professional development resources and studio visits with the rotating panel of judges — meaning the grant operates as both financial support and a curatorial introduction.

Eligible media span photography, drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking, ceramics, and fiber arts. The grant was developed in collaboration with Mariette Pathy Allen, activist Aaryn Lang, and artist Serena Jara.

There is no application fee. Applications go through SlideRoom with up to 12 work samples, two short statements on artistic practice, a CV, and two professional references. The 2026 deadline is July 2, with results announced in October. The 2026 jury comprises Jordyn Jay (Founder & Executive Director of Black Trans Femmes in the Arts Collective), Isis Awad (Curator & Editor at Participant Inc), and visual artist Utē Petit.