Illuminations Grant for Black Trans Women Visual Artists

The Illuminations Grant for Black Trans Women Visual Artists, a $10,000 grant, supports visual artists who are Black trans women. This grant is made possible entirely through support provided by visual artist Mariette Pathy Allen, whose body of photographic work over the last forty years has been squarely focused on expanding cultural consciousness around gender and transformation. The development of this grant was stewarded by consultant and writer Aaryn Lang, working in collaboration with Mariette Pathy Allen, Serena Jara, and Queer|Art. In order to further recognize finalists for their artistic achievements, Queer|Art is pleased to announce that the grant will also provide a $1,250 award to four distinguished finalists.

The llluminations Grant is administered through Queer|Art with a rotating panel of judges, each of whom will conduct a studio visit with the winning artist as part of the award’s focus on supporting creative and professional development. Judges for the 2025 grant cycle include Legacy Russell, Jordyn Jay, and Lee Laa Ray Guillory. Queer|Art staff will also provide the winning artist and finalists with consultations and further access to many of the tools they have developed in conjunction with the organization’s cornerstone creative and professional development program, Queer|Art|Mentorship.

Qualified artists must be Black trans women working in visual art and based in the United States.

Judges for the 2025 Illuminations Grant include curator & writer Legacy Russell, community organizer, arts advocate, and producer Jordyn Jay, and interdisciplinary artist & independent curator Lee Laa Ray Guillory. Now in its fifth year, The Illuminations Grant sheds light on the under-recognized contributions of Black trans women visual artists and provides critical support to their continuing work. Developed and named in partnership with Mariette Pathy Allen, Aaryn Lang, and Serena Jara, this grant supports visual artists who are self-identified Black trans women and awards $10,000 to the winner and $1,250 to distinguished finalists.

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