Nominate a young and innovative feminist artist whose art is igniting sparks, challenging oppressive systems, or developing fresh insights and vision. Nominations due May 11.
Firestarters are intersectional feminist artists (18-26) who are igniting sparks by envisioning new ways of thinking around racial, climate, disability and gender/LGBTQ+ justice, health equity, democracy, outdated and oppressive systems, bridging divides, and transforming the way we work together.
This award honors artists who are taking risks in artmaking, working towards social justice, developing an intersectional feminist voice, and bringing new insights into art for social change.
A Firestarter shows potential in:
- creating compelling art, including taking risks in developing new work
- engaging with social justice movements or their communities (This could be a geographic community in a specific neighborhood, county or region in KY, or a community based on interests, identity or values.)
- Acting as change agents in their own communities.
- developing their feminist voice by questioning norms and imagining new ways to create art for social change
Past Firestarters have said the award really helped move their work forward and get traction.
“I wanted to share with you that the Firestarter award came as my work was emerging. It’s made it possible to keep it going because more people are reaching out to share opportunities and understand the work more. It’s done the leg work for me that would have taken many more years and skill building for me to do. A shout out to the award doing it’s intended purpose of helping growing artists.” Firestarter Winner 2023
“Now that I am well into my career, being awarded a Firestarter early in my career has helped me demonstrate (in applications and bios) that I have been recognized for and dedicated to feminist social change artmaking and community-based work in Kentucky since the start of my career. It helps bolster my applications to opportunities such as artist residencies, grants, fellowships, and educational programs, and is a detail that I proudly share in my professional bios.” -Firestarter Winner 2018
“The Firestarter award was vote of confidence in my vision of being an artist in KY” Firestarter Winner 2022
“[The Firestarter Award] was affirming feedback that my hard work was paying off very early on in my artistic career. It was also very moving to read the text from those who recommended me. I still think back on what they said and it motivates me to keep working. The structure of the Firestarter Award allows older artists and mentors to indirectly affirm the work of younger artists in their community.” -Firestarter Winner 2023
“Being awarded a Firestarter award helped give me the confidence I needed to put my art out there and to keep sharing my work with others. Since being awarded the Firestarter award, I have continued to submit and have my work published in several books and magazines, and I have even become the editor of my University’s literary magazine. This award helped me reach for these opportunities, and continues to inspire me each day!” Firestarter Award Winner 2023
The Firestarter Award honors a young feminist social change artist for their outstanding ability to inspire others to make a difference!
Please complete your nomination by May 11, 2026
Complete this form to nominate!
