Art and activism are deeply intertwined in the South…and we’ve seen firsthand through Southern Equality Studios how transformative queer creativity can be. The biggest barrier to art-making isn’t lack of ideas, it’s funding. That’s why we’re launching the 2026 SES special grant round!

This round includes 25 grants of $500 for LGBTQ+ artists across the South who are using art as a tool for justice, visibility, and change. Applications are open now through Jan 15, 2025! QTBIPOC-led projects prioritized, but all LGBTQ+ Southern creatives are encouraged to apply.