Transformations
Transformations is a new project led by Felix Mufti in partnership with 20 Stories High, celebrating and supporting Merseyside-based transgender artists across disciplines and at any stage of their career.
We are working with 6 partner organisations to offer £500 bursaries for transgender artists to create a new piece of work on any subject, alongside tailored mentoring and year-round support. The commissioned work will be shared throughout the year, culminating in a public showcase.
Alongside the grants, we are developing a network of transgender artists across Merseyside to strengthen connections within the local trans creative community and build a more supportive infrastructure. The network will provide an accessible way to share information about different creatives, their practices and the range of talent in the region, and will be shared with arts organisations and venues to help increase visibility and create new opportunities.
This project is in collaboration with Liverpool Everyman & Playhouse, Open Eye Gallery, DaDa, Protect Scouse Dolls, Future Yard and Studio Lab at FACT.
We are committed to supporting freelance artists in the best way possible. The £500 grant can be paid in instalments that are benefit friendly and suit the needs of the artist.
How To Apply
Applications for grants and trans artist network are now open. To apply for the artist grants or to be added to the Transgender Artist Network, please complete the form below!
Applications close on Monday 6th April 2026.
Access:
We are committed to making this application process as accessible as possible. If you require the application format in a different format to what is already available, please contact lucy@20storieshigh.org.uk
Apply HerePartners
DaDa
DaDa is a leading disability and d/Deaf arts organisation in Liverpool, creating platforms where disabled, d/Deaf and neurodivergent artists can develop, showcase and celebrate their work. It produces festivals, events and year‑round programmes that champion inclusive, boundary‑pushing creativity and amplify voices often excluded from the cultural mainstream.
‘Disabled people’s identities are intersectional, and supporting Queer and Trans disabled artists has always been part of DaDa’s work. Transformations offers a valuable opportunity to build meaningful relationships and support trans creativity across the Liverpool arts ecology.’ – Rachel Rodgers, Executive Producer
Future Yard
Future Yard is a grassroots music venue and creative hub in Birkenhead, known for championing new talent and building a vibrant local music ecosystem. It hosts live gigs, training programmes and community initiatives, and is currently expanding with a new 600‑capacity indoor space designed to support larger artists while nurturing emerging ones.
“We’re thrilled to be partnering with 20 Stories High to offer further opportunities for trans creators in the region. Live music is at the heart of everything we do, if you create music and want to perform it on our stage we want to hear from you, and give our platform for you to be heard loud & proud” – Nick Simcock
Liverpool Everyman & Playhouse
Rooted in Liverpool’s spirit, the Everyman & Playhouse are a creative powerhouse with national and international impact, driven by a passion for theatre, the city, and the belief that theatre can entertain, inspire and fuel positive social change. For audiences, artists, and communities alike, Liverpool Everyman & Playhouse are places of wonder, magic, and extraordinary moments waiting for you to enjoy.
‘We’re really excited to be partnering on Transformations. The Everyman & Playhouse is proud of the work we do celebrating underrepresented voices, and we’re looking forward to working with the brilliant trans artists in the city.’ – Nathan Powell, Creative Director
Studio/ Lab at FACT
Studio/Lab at FACT is a collaborative creative hub where artists, technologists and researchers experiment with digital tools, develop new ideas and connect with a wider creative community. It offers workspaces, production facilities and regular opportunities for learning, critique and collaboration, supporting innovative, digitally focused practice shaped by and for artists.
“FACT are super excited to be working with 20SH and Felix Mufti, and we’re keen to welcome even more Trans artists to our Studio/Lab Artist Membership. We’re constantly working to support artists with critical and digital practices to make use of the technical equipment, space and support we share at Studio/Lab, so it felt like a natural opportunity to get involved in this project.” – Josiah Worth, Studio/Lab Producer (Artist Development)
Open Eye Gallery
Open Eye Gallery is a leading space for contemporary photography on Liverpool’s waterfront, showcasing bold visual storytelling and socially engaged work. It hosts exhibitions, talks and creative programmes that connect local and international artists with the city’s communities, using photography as a way to explore ideas, spark conversation and reflect Liverpool’s changing identity.
‘Transformations enhances our ongoing programme championing the LGBTQIA+ community and we are really looking forward to working with and supporting a transgender photographer in a way that will work for them.’ – Sarah Fisher, Executive Director
Protect Scouse Dolls
Protect Scouse Dolls is a community‑led fund and support network in Liverpool that centres the wellbeing and collective freedom of the Trans+ community. It provides direct, practical assistance through its Essential Care Fund and builds solidarity through events, creative projects and mutual‑aid initiatives that prioritise safety, dignity and joy.
‘We’re really pleased to offer this £500 commission as a way of nurturing artists who want to create meaningful, socially engaged work. Supporting working-class artists is central to what we do, and we see this as an opportunity not just to fund creative practice, but to help develop confidence, voice and impact. Through this commission, we aim to provide both financial support and informal mentoring, creating space for artists to explore ideas that contribute to social change and community connection.’ – Felix Mufti, Co-Director