By now, we all know this a lot to be true: when Black people create, tradition shifts. And this yr, GLAAD is ensuring that shift doesn’t go unsupported.
The media advocacy group has introduced the third cohort of its Fairness in Media & Leisure Initiative (EMEI), and for 2026, the highlight lands squarely on Black queer visible artists: painters, photographers, sculptors, mixed-media innovators, and digital storytellers whose work is already redefining what American artwork seems like.
“Every year, EMEI has expanded the boundaries of what fairness in leisure seems like,” stated DaShawn Usher, GLAAD’s Vice President of Neighborhood and Media. “This third cohort is extraordinary not solely due to their creative excellence, however as a result of they characterize communities which have too usually been erased from the story of American artwork historical past. These artists are unapologetically shaping the way forward for visible tradition.”
Launched in 2022 by GLAAD’s Communities of Colour and Media Division and powered by Gilead Sciences, EMEI was designed to handle the systemic inequities which have lengthy restricted alternatives for LGBTQ+ creatives of coloration throughout leisure and the humanities. In only a few brief years, the initiative has turn out to be a coveted launchpad for artists pushing previous trade gatekeeping.
At a time when illustration is concurrently demanded and politically resisted, EMEI not solely ensures that creatives get visibility, but in addition help. This yr’s 20 chosen artists will every obtain $10,000 to fund a brand new artistic challenge, along with mentorship, skilled growth, and direct entry to leaders throughout the artwork, media, and leisure industries.
Whereas the 2026 cohort facilities visible artists, previous EMEI cohorts have highlighted filmmakers (2022) and musicians (2024).
“These artists are unapologetically shaping the way forward for visible tradition,” Usher concluded.
See the total cohort beneath:
Ari Moren – Brooklyn, NY
Bcimanartist – New York, NY
BE3K – New Orleans, LA
Damien Davis – Newark, NJ
Devin N. Morris – New York, NY
Devin Wesley – Los Angeles, CA
Jah Beverly – Philadelphia, PA
Jas Turk – Louisville, KY
Jose Duran – Bronx, NY
Kia LaBeija – New York, NY
Kiera Rahming-Reed – Metro-Atlanta, GA
Modest Artwork 88 – Culver Metropolis, CA
Ruhamaiah – Brooklyn, NY
Ryan C. Hamilton – Brooklyn, NY
Sean Dylan Perry – Los Angeles, CA
Sophia Yeshi – Brooklyn, NY
Tessa Evelyn Scott – Los Angeles, CA
The Artist L.Haz – Federal Manner, WA
Travion Payne – Los Angeles, CA
Zakari – Richmond, VA
