Light Work Grants in Photography

The Light Work Grants in Photography program was established in 1975 to support artists working in Central New York. As of 2026, eligibility has been expanded to the state of New York outside of the New York City region. Five $3,000 grants are awarded annually to encourage the development of ongoing projects and the creation of new photographic work. Recipients are invited to display their work in an exhibition at Light Work in the Kathleen O. Ellis Gallery, and their work is reproduced in a special publication of Contact Sheet. In its 51-year history, Light Work Grants have supported more than 110 artists, some multiple times. With the help of these regional grants, 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. Curatorial decisions are based solely on the strength of the candidate's portfolio and completed application.