Lumen Prize
Application Bursary

The Lumen Prize exists to champion art created with technology and to widen access to the opportunities, visibility, and networks that help artists sustain ambitious practices. As a small 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Lumen relies on entry fees to support the operational costs of running the organization and to fund the prize pool that’s awarded to artists every year.

We also recognize that entry fees can present a real barrier. As part of our commitment to equitable access, we’re proud to introduce a new initiative for 2026, made possible through the generosity of a Lumen community member and collector, Benny “Redbeard” Gross.

To ensure the process remains respectful, this bursary is offered on a trust-basis and is intended for artists with the greatest financial need, covering the cost of entry when fees would otherwise prevent participation.

About the Bursary

Through this initiative, 55 bursaries are available, each covering the full entry fee for one submission to the 2026 Lumen Prize. Successful applicants will receive a unique, single-use code to submit their entry free of charge.

Applications for the bursary will be live for one-week starting Wednesday April 29th and closing Wednesday, May 6th.

Awarded applicants will be provided with their discount code for a free entry by Friday, May 8th and applications to The Lumen Prize must be submitted before entries close on May 23rd.

    • Bursary applications open: Wednesday, April 29th 

    • Bursary applications close: Wednesday, May 6th 

    • Awarded applicants notified: Friday, May 8th 

    • Deadline to submit your work to The Lumen Prize: 6pm GMT / 1pm EST Saturday, May 23rd

    1. Submit the bursary form during the application window.

    2. After the form closes, we will review applications and confirm successful recipients by email.

    3. Bursary recipients will receive a code that enables one free submission to the 2026 Lumen Prize.

    4. Codes must be redeemed before the Prize entry deadline (May 23).

    • The bursary code is valid for one (1) submission only

    • Codes are single-use and unique to each recipient

    • Entries using the code must be submitted by the Prize entry deadline (May 23rd)

    • Codes cannot be transferred, sold, or reused

  • The bursary will support 55 artists with a fully funded entry to The Lumen Prize. 

    Once all places have been allocated, we will follow up with remaining applicants to see how we can support them.

Apply for the Bursary