Queer|Art’s first international grant provides an award of $10,000 for the winner and $1,250 for distinguished finalists, to support the creation of new work by emerging LGBTQ+ photographers. Named in honor of photographer Robert Giard (1939-2002), a portrait, landscape, and figure photographer whose work focused on LGBTQ+ lives and issues, the grant focuses on supporting emerging LGBTQ+ photographers whose projects address issues of sexuality, gender, or LGBTQ+ identity.

The grant was organized in partnership with The Robert Giard Foundation from 2020 until 2022 when the Foundation ceased operations. The Robert Giard Grant for Emerging LGBTQ+ Photographers supports and promotes self-taught, early career or otherwise emerging LGBTQ+ artists, awarded on a yearly basis. This support is vital for emerging artists, who may lack the financial resources or institutional support available to more established artists. The 2024 Robert Giard Grant for Emerging LGBTQ+ Photographers is made possible with the generous support of Joan Cadden, Glenn Stancroff, and the Robert Giard Foundation. After five years, 2024 will be Queer|Art’s final year hosting the Robert Giard Grant.

The judges for the 2024 Robert Giard Grant for Emerging LGBTQ+ Photographers: editor-in-chief of Them Sarah Burke, interdisciplinary artist Jess T. Dugan, historian and curator Jacqueline Francis, and photographer Tommy Kha. After five years, 2024 will be Queer|Art’s final year hosting the Robert Giard Grant.

Cover image: Lines of a Golf Course (1979) by Robert Giard. Courtesy of the Estate of Robert Giard and Queer|Art.