Clone of Winter 2026 Walker Youngbird Foundation Emerging Native Artist Grant

Grant Application

Native Neon is a residency for Indigenous artists who want to explore neon but have never worked with the medium. The program offers hands-on instruction, collaborative fabrication, and full production support at Lite Brite Neon Studio in Kingston, NY. The selected artist will spend 7–10 days working with master fabricators to produce their first neon artwork. Travel and accommodation for the residency will be provided. This program prioritizes artists who are new to neon, not a particular career stage.
Key Dates
- Applications close on April 6th at 11:59pm ET
- Applicants notified by the end of April
Eligibility
- 18 years or older
- Currently resides in North America
- Enrolled member of a federally or state-recognized U.S. tribe, an Alaska Native corporation, of Native Hawaiian ancestry, or a member of a recognized First Nation in Canada.
- Working artist at any career stage
- Has not previously worked in neon
- Available for 7–10 consecutive days in Fall 2026
Name*

First NameLast Name
Tribal Affiliation*
City:
State/Province:
Mobile Phone:
E-mail:*
Website:
Instagram:
PaintingPhotographyLeatherDrawingPaper/Mixed MediaGlassWoodCalligraphyCeramicsPotterySculptureFabricWeaving (fabric/other)Metal worksDigitalOther
Other Media:
Provide your artist statement. Describe your current artistic practice. What themes, materials, or cultural frameworks shape your work?*

0/300
Interest in Neon. You have not previously worked in neon. What draws you to the medium now? Why does this feel like the right moment to explore it?*

0/200
Conceptual Direction. How might neon connect to, extend, or complicate your existing practice? You don't need a finished idea—we're interested in your curiosity, not a polished proposal. A sketch, a question, or a hunch is enough.*

0/200
Scale and Form. Neon often operates at a different scale and physical presence than many other media. How do you imagine working with light, line, or scale in neon? Your answer can be speculative or exploratory.*

0/150
Working with Fabricators. Neon is made collaboratively with skilled glass benders and fabricators. How do you typically approach working with craftspeople or technical collaborators in your practice?*

0/150
Looking Ahead. If this residency leads to a successful neon work, how do you imagine this medium fitting into your practice in the future?*

0/150
Previous Work Samples

Upload up to five examples of recent work that represent your current practice. Images, video stills, installation views, or documentation of time-based work are all welcome.

Accepted formats: JPG, PNG, or PDF (max 10MB per file).
Work Sample #1:*

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Work Sample #2:*

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Work Sample #3:*

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Work Sample #4:*

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Work Sample #5:*

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Reference

Please provide the name and contact information for one reference familiar with your artistic practice and work ethic. This person may be a mentor, collaborator, educator, or someone familiar with your work. We will only contact references for finalists during the review process.
Reference Name*
Reference Title*
Reference Email*
Reference Phone*
Additional Documentation
CV/Resume*

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Documentation of Indigenous citizenship or ancestry. Examples include tribal enrollment documentation, Certificate of Indian Blood, First Nation documentation, or other verification.*

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YesNo (please explain)
Should be Empty:

Grant Application