Like Neon? Opportunity for Indigenous Artists to Work in Neon

The Walker Youngbird Foundation and New York’s Lite Brite Neon Studio have launched a $50,000 residency expanding Native American access to neon fabrication. Native Neon is accepting applications for artists who have not worked in neon. 

Each artist will receive a $10,000 stipend and attend a seven to 10-day residency in Kingston, New York.  The selected artist will be selected in May 2026, and the residency will happen September to October 2026. 

The program will be structured as a teaching residency and will allow for artists to work with craftspeople, expose them to different mediums and stewardship of neon works. The artwork will belong to the artist. There will be a public presentation in the fall of 2026 after the residency. 

Artist Marie Watt (Seneca Nation) will be a part of this experience helping with the selection process and vision of the program. 

“Neon art allowed energy to become visible,” founder of the Lite Brite Neon Studio matteline deVries-drilling said in a statement. “The medium is delicate and fierce at once. We are honored to help steward this access in partnership with Walker Youngbird Foundation and with the guidance of Marie Watt.”  

The application has been open since March 5.