Serving the LGBTQIA2S+ community of Providence, Rhode Island, GRID Gallery, a 501(c)3 non-profit, champions the work of Queer BIPOC Photographers, empowering them with educational and professional development opportunities. Our mission is to establish a public space for Queer BIPOC photographers while alleviating hardships created by socioeconomic and institutional biases in the arts.
The Last Friends of Dorothy: Celebrating Our Queer Elders pays homage to the many contributions of LGBTQIA2S+ who fought for the rights to self-expression and inclusion for all generations. This exhibition showcases their stories, struggles, and triumphs, allowing a glimpse into their pasts and sharing hope for our futures. It recognizes the resilience, wisdom, and experiences of our Queer elders, bringing their voices to the forefront and ensuring that their legacies are preserved individually and collectively. The Last Friends of Dorothy, ultimately, is a celebration of their lives and years of hard work; a testament to their strength and to the enduring power of community.
We are seeking QTBIPOC (Queer/Trans, Black, Indigenous, People of Color) photographers, with a focus on those who support or identify as elders. This call seeks those creating work showcasing, evoking, or referencing the contributions of queer elders to the community at large.
Our call for submissions is open to both established and emerging artists. However, all submissions MUST be photographic in nature.
Submissions must include a brief artist statement (maximum 200 words) explaining how the artist and/or work relates to the mission of GRID Gallery.
Artists may submit 5 to 10 photographs, either as individual works or part of a series, for consideration.
Selection Process: Submissions will be reviewed by GRID Galleries Board of Directors. Artworks will be selected based on their artistic merit, creativity, and originality.
There is a $15-20 sliding scale fee, meaning you pay what you can comfortably afford. If this fee presents a financial obstacle, we'd be happy to help find a path that works for you.
Want to support an artist? Visit our DONATIONS page and under the “Additional Information" section during checkout, either mention the artist by name, or simply write "Support an Artist.” Your contribution will directly support the artistic expression of marginalized voices.
Artists of all ages from across the United States are invited to submit their work. However, Artists younger than 18 years old must have a guardian’s or trusted elder’s written consent to apply. Please email info@gridgalleryri.org for more information.
Exhibition Details: Selected artworks will be displayed at GRID Gallery (105 Wickenden Street Suite 2, Providence, Rhode Island) during the exhibition period of 3 months.
An opening reception will be held to celebrate the artist and their work, fostering opportunities for networking and engagement. The exhibition will be promoted through various channels, including social media, press releases, and online platforms, to attract a diverse audience of art enthusiasts.
While this call for entries is exclusively for QTBIPOC artists, we encourage allies to share this opportunity with their networks and to support the work of marginalized communities.
Important Dates:
Submissions Open: Monday February 17th 2025
Submissions Close: Monday March 17th 2025
Notification of Acceptance: Friday March 21nd 2025
Opening Reception: TBD
Exhibition Dates: May 2nd - August 1st 2025