Light Work is pleased to announce the 2026 Light Work Grants in Photography program. Light Work began offering grants to CNY artists in 1975 to encourage the production of new photographic work in the region. Five $3,000 grants will be awarded to photographers who live and work within New York State, outside of the New York City region. The recipients of these grants are invited to display their work in an exhibition at Light Work in the Kathleen O. Ellis Gallery, and their work will also be reproduced in a special publication of Light Work’s award-winning Contact Sheet.

In its 51-year history, Light Work Grants have supported more than 110 artists. With the help of the regional grant, many artists have been able to continue long-term projects, purchase equipment, frame photographs for exhibitions, promote their work, collaborate with others or otherwise continue their artistic goals.

All applicants must reside in of one of the following New York counties: Albany, Allegany, Broome, Cattaraugus, Cayuga, Chautauqua, Chemung, Chenango, Clinton, Columbia, Cortland, Delaware, Dutchess, Erie, Essex, Franklin, Fulton, Genesee, Greene, Hamilton, Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, Livingston, Madison, Monroe, Montgomery, Nassau, Niagara, Oneida, Onondaga, Ontario, Orange, Orleans, Oswego, Otsego, Putnam, Rensselaer, Rockland, St. Lawrence, Saratoga, Schenectady, Schoharie, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, Suffolk, Sullivan, Tioga, Tompkins, Ulster, Warren, Washington, Wayne, Westchester, Wyoming, and Yates.

Curatorial decisions are based solely on the strength of the candidate’s portfolio and completed application. Individuals who received this award in 2022 or earlier are eligible to re-apply. Full-time students are not eligible.