Qreative Voices Launches In This Economy Grants
Ten Southern LGBTQ+ performing artists will each receive $500 in microgrants from the Atlanta-based nonprofit.
Updated on Nov. 12, 2026 in LGBTQ+
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Qreative Voices, an Atlanta-based nonprofit, is awarding 10 microgrants of $500 each to LGBTQ+ performing artists living in one of 17 Southern states. The program, called In This Economy, allows recipients to use the money for producing a show, covering living expenses, or any purpose they choose.
Why it matters
The grants provide direct financial support to queer performing artists in the South, a region where independent artists may have fewer funding options. For Atlanta readers, the program reflects the work of a local organization that also produces the annual Lavender Fest.
The program awards 10 grants of $500 each, with eligibility limited to LGBTQ+ performing artists living in one of 17 listed Southern states. Since 2024, Qreative Voices reports giving more than $35,000 to independent queer artists in the region, but the total applicant pool for this round was not disclosed.
The players
Qreative Voices
Qreative Voices is an Atlanta-based nonprofit that produces the annual Lavender Fest, an LGBTQ+ performing arts festival, and supports independent queer artists in the South.
The details
Applicants must work in the performing arts, identify as LGBTQ+, and live in one of the 17 eligible Southern states, including Georgia, Alabama, Florida and Louisiana. Applications close Dec. 15, and recipients will be announced by Dec. 22.
Timeline
Qreative Voices began giving grants to queer artists in 2024.
Applications for the In This Economy grant close Dec. 15.
Grant recipients will be announced by Dec. 22.
Culture Shift
The In This Economy grants extend Qreative Voices' annual Lavender Fest by moving support from a single festival stage to individual queer performers across 17 Southern states. The move reflects a growing emphasis among regional LGBTQ+ arts groups on direct artist funding rather than event production alone.
Eligible LGBTQ+ performing artists in Georgia and the surrounding Southern states can apply for a $500 grant that may be used for a show or everyday living costs. Applications must be submitted by Dec. 15 to be considered.
The takeaway
Artists who fit the eligibility criteria should note the Dec. 15 deadline, since the grant can fund either a production or personal expenses. Readers who want to support the work can donate through the Qreative Voices website.
What happens next
Recipients of the In This Economy grants will be announced by Dec. 22.
Further reading
Explore more LGBTQ+ coverage from Atlanta and across the South.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Rough Draft Atlanta.
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