Why?

With three years of community building with Party Noire + establishing our newly founded company SOLAR House Studio, we continue to strive for growth in the face of systems intended to oppress + constrain us as Black queer creative womyn. In growing our platform + community, creating space + economic ecosystems for Black femmes, queer womyn + womyn on the gender spectrum have remained at the forefront of our mission. These objectives are the foundation of our Femme Noire Award. Established by the Party Noire Collective + SOLAR House Studio in 2018, this annual unrestricted financial gift is offered to two deserving Chicago-based Black womyn in the creative industry. DJs, space makers, + event curators building community thru art or events in alignment with the Party Noire mission of creating safe space for Black womyn, femmes + LGBTQ folk are eligible for the award.

Funds raised through our Spring events will directly impact our community of Black womyn + femmes, catalyzing an awardee's skill development + creative practice. This award can be used for anything in support of your work and practice: rent, supplies, venue rental, a class, therapy sessions; whatever you need to deepen your creative passions and overall wellbeing.

Who’s Eligible?
This award is for all Black femmes + queer womyn along the gender spectrum ages 21+ in the creative industry. Applicants must reside in Chicago, IL. Application deadline is May 15th, 2019, 11:59 pm.

We kick off program fundraising with the Divine Feminine Brunch Party at per•so•na on Sunday, March 31st from 1-7pm. Join us in support of our badass femmes + womyn.