Trans in the City Launches 'The Art of Trans+ Joy' 2026, Calling on Artists Across the UK to Celebrate Joy, Pride and Allyship
The Art of Trans+ Joy is back!
Trans in the City has officially opened submissions for The Art of Trans+ Joy 2026, inviting artists from across the UK to create inspiring works that celebrate the vibrancy, resilience and beauty of the trans+ community while highlighting the power of allyship and inclusion.
Returning for 2026, the exhibition provides a platform for artists to explore trans+ joy through authentic creative expression. Whether telling a deeply personal story or reflecting a shared experience, the exhibition aims to showcase artwork that celebrates identity, community, connection and hope.
Selected artworks will be exhibited in London during Trans Awareness Week, bringing together artists, allies and supporters to celebrate trans+ lives through creativity.
Open to All Creative Disciplines
Artists are encouraged to submit work in any medium, including:
Photography
Painting
Sculpture
Digital art
Mixed media
And more
Both new and existing artworks are eligible, with no restrictions on size or artistic style. Trans in the City particularly welcomes submissions that embrace intersectionality and reflect the diversity of trans+ experiences.
Supporting Artists Through the Artwork Auction
Following the exhibition, selected artworks will be entered into a fundraising auction unless artists choose to opt out.
Artists will receive 90% of the final sale price, while the remaining 10% will support Trans in the City's ongoing work to improve inclusion and visibility for trans+ people.
Key Dates
30th September 2026 – Register your intention to submit by completing the submission form or contacting the team.
20th October 2026 – Final deadline for artwork submissions.
Artists whose work is selected will be contacted after the submission deadline.
How to Submit
Artists should complete the submission form and email the following to media@transinthecity.co.uk:
At least five high-resolution images of their artwork
One short video of the piece
A completed submission form
Large files should be sent using WeTransfer.
Digital submissions are welcomed from artists outside the UK. Due to exhibition logistics, physical artwork submissions are currently limited to UK-based artists, who will be responsible for arranging delivery if selected.
Celebrating Trans+ Joy
At a time when trans+ stories are too often framed around challenge, The Art of Trans+ Joy offers an opportunity to celebrate creativity, community and belonging. Through powerful visual storytelling, the exhibition will showcase the richness, diversity and joy of trans+ lives while encouraging meaningful conversations about allyship and inclusion.
For full submission details or alternative formats of the brief, please head to www.transinthecity.co.uk/the-art-of-trans-joy or contact media@transinthecity.co.uk.