As one of many 'trans cultures', trans performance makers have been celebrated over the last decade for interrogating trans lived experiences through autobiographical works. Yet, many of these artists have noted a need to move beyond venue programming cultures that frame trans performance as principally educational (for cis people to learn about trans personal trauma). In response to this need, this fellowship asks what is 'transness' in performance beyond personal testimony? What makes a stage design 'trans-informed'? What does 'transness' afford as a cultural/political standpoint beyond gender identity? In investigating these positions, this fellowship will provide the foundational infrastructure for a 5-year legacy plan that centres trans and nonbinary experiences as vital to a fair and just society.

Critical Costume is an international platform to promote research and practice on the interdisciplinary study of costume. The principal activity of Critical Costume is a biennial conference and exhibition, with the provision for smaller events where appropriate. The purpose of the organization is to support practitioners and researchers to debate the status of costume within contemporary and historical cultures.