Guidelines for Financial Aid
Who is eligible to apply?
Practicing visual fine artists and their families in times of sickness, natural disaster, bereavement, or unexpected extreme hardship.
What do you mean by a “practicing” artist?
Some of the criteria that we consider are: formal education as an artist; an active exhibition and/or publication history; grants, awards and residencies from established sources; serious critical response to the work; and art sales and commissions. Most importantly, we look for evidence of an ongoing commitment to producing art over the course of time.
Visual artists should earn some of their livelihood through income reported on a Schedule C of a U.S. Federal tax return.
What kind of “fine artist” is eligible to apply?
Artists working in sculpture, painting, drawing, printmaking, illustration, art photography, fine art ceramics, mixed media, and installations will be considered.
Who is NOT eligible to apply?
Performance artists, dancers, musicians, writers, poets, make-up artists, commercial photographers, filmmakers, and graphic designers. Also, hobbyists and other creators of art with no record of income as documented by a Schedule C from a U.S. federal tax return are NOT eligible.
What qualifies as an emergency?
An unexpected hardship, such as a fire, flood, or a medical/dental condition, or the consequences of certain accidents, causing personal injury or property damage. General indebtedness or lack of employment is not considered an emergency.
What paperwork do I need to apply?
You will need to upload:
A letter explaining your request
A CV or resume (detailed with dates, locations, venues, institutions, etc.)
Thorough documentation of your situation, through paid or unpaid invoices, bills, or contracts
Two years of your most recent tax forms
An official ID, like a driver’s license or passport
NOTE: We will not consider incomplete applications.
How much money does the AF grant?
Decisions are made on a case-by-case basis and can range from $500-$20,000. Average grant is $2,500. While we try to help as many artists as we can, filing an application does not guarantee that you will receive a grant.
Will AF help me pay for my rent or other living expenses?
Yes, but only if your inability to pay these bills was caused by an emergency situation: an event that created extreme hardship, like a medical diagnosis or a natural disaster.
Will the AF help me fund my education or offer me a scholarship?
No
Will the AF help me fund my art exhibition?
No
Will the AF help me fund my art residency or travel expenses?
No
Will AF help me pay for my art supplies?
No
What if I know I will be in a difficult situation in a few months?
The “need” must be current and documented, not anticipated.
Is there a deadline?
No. The Board of Trustees meets monthly from September to June to review applications. The Board does not meet in July and August.
What if I don’t file taxes?
All applicants are required to submit two complete recent federal tax returns, unless you do not pay taxes because you are under the filing limit set by the IRS.
What if I don’t have a Schedule C?
Please explain your situation in your letter.
Can I re-apply if I did receive aid previously?
Yes, but we prefer to be a one-time source of aid. Long term or ongoing support is not provided.
Can I re-apply if I did NOT receive aid previously?
Yes, you can re-apply, but if your circumstances have not changed, you will likely be denied again.
What if I can’t fill out an application online?
Contact the office at info@artistsfellowship.org.
How and when will I find out?
All applicants will be contacted by U.S. mail with the Board’s determination. Board meetings are mid-month from September to June.
How do I apply?
Click the button below. Please make sure you’ve read through this information carefully before applying.
If you have any additional questions, email info@artistsfellowship.org.