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Glass art by Carrie Gustafson, Cambridge, MA
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Artist Fellowships

Application Process

Please note: This program is paused for FY23 as we evaluate our support for artists as part of our Racial Equity Plan. The following information represents FY22 program guidelines, for reference.

We are proud to support Massachusetts artists with Artist Fellowships. The Fellowships are direct grants to artists to recognize exceptional creative work. We consider individual artists to be an essential part of our vital communities, and we hope the awards will foster the creation of new art in the Commonwealth.

Artist Fellowships are $15,000, and Finalist awards are $5,000.

Mass Cultural Council is accepting applications for the 2022 Artist Fellowships in the following six categories:

  • Choreography
  • Drawing & Printmaking
  • Fiction/Creative Nonfiction
  • Painting
  • Poetry
  • Traditional Arts

Next year (2023), we anticipate welcoming applications in Crafts, Dramatic Writing, Film & Video, Music Composition, Photography, and Sculpture/Installation/New Genres.

How to Apply

  1. Read the Program Guidelines and Work Sample Instructions (below), Discipline Definitions, and FAQs.

  2. Watch the recorded info session and/or download the slide deck.

     

  3. Contact us with any questions about the guidelines or to discuss which category suits your work best.

     

  4. Learn more about requesting an accommodation for accessibility or requesting translation services​.

     

  5. Complete the online application for Choreography, Poetry, and Traditional Arts by 11:59pm (ET) on October 25, 2021. (Application opens: September 8, 2021)

    Complete the online application for Drawing & Printmaking, Fiction/Creative Nonfiction, and Painting by 11:59pm (ET) on January 24, 2022. (Application opens: December 15, 2021)

Program Guidelines

Work Sample Instructions

Please make certain your work sample(s) follow our instructions. For tips on applying for an Artist Fellowship, please visit our blog, ArtSake.

Since your work samples are reviewed anonymously by each panel except for Traditional Arts, your name should not appear anywhere in your work sample(s), Work Sample Title(s), or your Work Sample Description(s). We appreciate all efforts to avoid identifying information like commissions, awards, or organizations.

Naming and uploading your work samples. Please name each file with the title of the corresponding work sample.

When uploading a file, please make sure it is saved on your computer. Uploading from a cloud storage service may not work.

Please submit work completed 2018 or later. Works in progress are eligible.

Detailed work sample requirements and instructions are provided below for each discipline category.

For the application to be considered, complete the online application form and any accompanying work sample(s) by 11:59pm (ET) on the deadline day. We cannot accept late applications.

Legal & Other Requirements


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