Lighton International Artists Exchange Program (LIAEP)

Lighton International Artists Exchange Program (LIAEP) is sponsored by The Lighton International Artists Exchange Program. The Lighton International Artists Exchange Program (LIAEP) provides travel funding and support for visual artists and arts professionals to travel to international residencies and artist communities, and for foreign visual artists to travel to and work in the United States.

Guidelines & Criteria — LIAEP LIAEP's goal is to encourage and reward dedicated artists with the unique opportunities afforded by travel for the exchange of ideas and expertise between peers. We hope to enrich creative development, expand access to the art of other cultures and deepen mutual understanding across cultures.

The program seeks applications from dedicated artists who create work of exceptional quality and whose work and career is at a level to benefit from international exchange with peers. The grant program supports most direct costs associated with proposed travel and residency related expenses. These costs include, but are not limited to: LIAEP award requests are limited to a maximum of $7,000 US currency per applicant.

Visas, appropriate permits for the country of destination and all other such documents are the responsibility of the applicant. LIAEP bears no responsibility for grant recipients while abroad. The program is especially interested in funding mid-career artists who have not yet worked in a foreign country and in funding travel and residencies to countries that are less Westernized.

LIAEP's goal is to break boundaries and will award funds to a foreign artist traveling to the United States or a U.S. citizen to a foreign country. 2026 Funding Cycle update: The Lighton International Artist Exchange Program (LIAEP) works to make the world a smaller place by giving artists of different cultures the opportunity to work together, in the hope that lasting friendship and understanding will develop.

The program provides support for mid-career visual artists and arts professionals to travel to international residencies and artist communities and for foreign visual artists to travel to and work in the United States.

Opening of application period: November 1st, 2025 Close of application period: January 15th, 2026 Award notifications : March 2026 Travel and residency must occur between March 2026 - February 2027 Final reporting is due within 60 days of the conclusion of travel.

LIAEP supports travel by serious visual artists (and occasionally individual performance and dance artists) to professional & established residencies and will consider high-quality independent projects if in support of the program goals. The grant program supports most direct costs associated with proposed travel and residency related expenses. reimbursement for prior travel Applications are accepted online only.

The link will be accessible beginning on November 1st 2025 ALL APPLICANTS WILL BE ASKED TO PROVIDE THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION : *Note: Data typed into the online form CAN be saved for editing later. Project proposal (including details of your planned artistic exchange), travel information and budget. Curriculum vitae or resume Letter of invitation from host organization(s) involved in the project.

Two letters of recommendation from arts professionals that address the applicant's work, professional reputation and character. At least eight (8) work samples that are of high quality or professional photographed. Examples should be technically and conceptually relevant to your proposed residency.

(File size should be at least 1 MB.) Image list of work samples, including: title, medium, dimensions and year Because of the volume of material and limited time available for the review panel, you are encouraged to prepare a well-organized presentation. We recognize that creative work doesn’t always go as planned, but we need to know you have a workable residency plan in place.

Providing work samples that properly communicate the quality of your artistic practice are most important! LIAEP will only review completed applications received by: January 15th. Applications will only be considered when complete, including all supporting letters.