We’re so excited to introduce the artists joining our QueerCore 2026 cohort, a brilliant group of LGBTQIA+ creatives bringing bold ideas, fresh perspectives and seriously exciting work into the year ahead.

This year’s cohort spans painting, textiles, performance, animation and more, and we can’t wait to support and uplift their practices over the coming months.

Running from April to December 2026, QueerCore is Homotopia’s artist development programme designed to support LGBTQIA+ creatives to grow, experiment and take their ideas further.

We work closely alongside each artist to shape the programme around what they need, whether that’s developing a project, testing new ideas, or building confidence in their practice. Just as importantly, QueerCore is about community: connecting artists with each other, with past cohorts, and with the wider network of creatives, producers and spaces we work with across Liverpool and beyond.

QueerCore is more than a programme, it’s a springboard for ideas.

Meet the artists:

Harry Garner (He/Him)

A Liverpool-based painter originally from rural Leicestershire, Harry creates figurative works that sit somewhere between narrative and mystery. Drawing on historical references, his paintings invite viewers to step in and make their own meaning, never offering easy answers, but always sparking curiosity.

Kiya Major (She/They)

Kiya is a multidisciplinary artist working across rug-making, illustration, animation and events. Their bold, playful work explores humour, failure and the grotesque, often through large-scale textiles bursting with colour and character. Alongside their practice, they run workshops and create spaces for others to get involved, bringing a vibrant, community-driven energy to everything they do.

Stephanie Trujillo (She/Her)

Stephanie is a multi-media artist exploring identity, belonging and healing through her Peruvian-German heritage. Working across painting, collage, photography and performance, her practice is deeply rooted in community, spirituality and connection to nature. Her work is both personal and powerful, holding space for reflection and growth.

No Funny Business (She/Her & She/Her)

No Funny Business is a theatre and comedy collective by Rachel Barry and Cordelia Stevenson. Blending clowning, drag and character comedy, they create playful, subversive performances built around a live connection with their audience. With years of experience across fringe theatre, this new collaboration feels fresh, exciting and full of potential.

Some words from Ashleigh Owen, our Development Producer:

I’m genuinely buzzing to welcome our 2026 cohort to the programme. They are such an inspiring group of artists who are already bringing fresh energy, curiosity, and ambition to Homotopia HQ. It’s clear they’re going to do incredible things this year, and I’m so excited to support them as they grow, challenge themselves and produce meaningful work. Their art forms and projects are vastly different from one another, and I can’t wait to see the ideas, collaborations, and confidence that emerge over the course of the programme.

We’re so proud to support this cohort as they develop their work across 2026. and we can’t wait to share what comes next. Follow along as their journeys unfold.

Read more about our QueerCore 2026 cohort here: https://www.homotopia.net/queercore/

We are delighted to announce that the applications for Homotopia’s 2026 QueerCore programme are now open!

Whether you’re a writer, performer, filmmaker, designer, musician or someone working across disciplines, QueerCore is here to help you connect, create and grow. QueerCore is Homotopia’s creative development programme for early-career artists and producers based in the Liverpool City Region, supporting artists since 2020.

Following their time with us, QueerCore alumni have gone on to work with the BBC; direct a play on the Everyman main stage, receive Arts Council England funding; win commercial commissions, and even star in a major Netflix show. Whilst part of the programme, many QueerCore alumni also received additional press coverage and an increase in their social media followers. We’re sure you’ll agree that the potential impact QueerCore can have on your career is really exciting!

Our 2026 programme will run from April – December and offers tailored support for LGBTQIA+ creatives in the region to grow, build connections, and develop new ideas. We will work with you to build a QueerCore programme that aims to meet your needs, and supports your developing project or idea. QueerCore is also about  building community: you’ll meet members of QueerCore  past and present, get to know the Homotopia team, and some of the artists, producers, and venues we work with in Liverpool and beyond.

Four artists/producers will be selected as our 2026 cohort and will receive:

· A £2000 grant to spend on developing a new project, idea or strand of work
· Mentorship sessions with an experienced artist relevant to your interests
· Access to creative workshops that aim to inspire and support your development
· Opportunities to connect with other local artists, creatives and producers
· A learning and development retreat with your mentor and our team
· A chance to present your work as part of Homotopia’s year-round programme

QueerCore is more than a programme: it’s a springboard for your creative future. Fancy joining our growing network of bold, queer artists making an impact? Applications are open now. The application deadline is due on Monday the 16th of February 2026 at 5pm, don’t miss out – we can’t wait to hear from you!

To learn more about eligibility and how to apply, please visit the QueerCore section on our website.

Good luck!

📣 Homotopia are pleased to announce the return of QueerCore, our creative development programme for early-career artists and producers in Liverpool! 🎨

QueerCore is Homotopia’s talent development programme for early-career artists. The programme runs for 6 months and offers tailored support for LGBTQIA artists in the Liverpool City Region to grow, build connections and develop new ideas.

The 6-month programme of support, focused around a specific project includes:

• A £2000 grant to spend on developing a new project, idea or strand of work.
• A mentor appropriate to your needs as an artist/artist collective.
• Access to specialist workshops on fundraising, marketing/PR and financial management for artists.
• Mixers with other local queer artists, creatives and producers.
• A learning and development residential in…Blackpool!
• A chance to present some form of work/work-in-process at Homotopia Festival.
• Join an alumni network of 20+ local queer creatives changing the world.

Applications are OPEN, to apply: