2026–2027 A.I.R. FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM

About the Open Call

Established in 1993, the A.I.R. Fellowship Program for Emerging and Underrepresented Women and Non-Binary Artists is intended to support artists in building sustainable and enriching artistic practices. The program provides participants with career-changing, lifelong resources and community in a space that encourages creative risk-taking and intergenerational dialogue. Central to the program are a series of professional development workshops on subjects such as grant writing and exhibition design, close collaboration with an A.I.R. artist mentor, and scheduled studio visits throughout the year, including one with a selection panelist. Since 2009, A.I.R. has named one yearly A.I.R. Fellowship seat in memory of the artist, activist, writer, and feminist Emma Bee Bernstein (1985–2008). In recognition of Emma’s significant contributions as a young artist, the youngest A.I.R. Fellowship recipient receives the honor of holding the Emma Bee Bernstein Fellowship seat. Since 2024, A.I.R. has annually named one Louise H. McCagg Fellow in honor of artist, philanthropist, feminist, and mother Louise H. McCagg (1936–2020). The A.I.R. Fellowship Program is made possible by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council and the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature, as well as the generous support of The Arison Arts Foundation, The Milton and Sally Avery Arts Foundation, The Bernheim Foundation, The Teiger Foundation, Materials for the Arts, and individual donors to the Emma Bee Bernstein Fellowship and Louise H. McCagg Fellowship Funds. Eligibility: A woman or non-binary visual artist working in any media; 18 years of age or older; A resident of New York City, adjoining counties, or the Hudson Valley (Putnam, Dutchess, and Ulster counties) from September 2026–August 2027; Have not had a solo exhibition at a permanent venue in NYC in the last 10 years; Not a student or enrolled in any degree-granting program at the time of the program (September 2026–August 2027); Not participating in a comparable development, fellowship, or residency program at the time of the program (September 2026–August 2027); Not currently a member, employee, or board member of A.I.R. Gallery, and have not previously had a solo show at A.I.R.; Not a Fellowship Program alum. Benefits: 4–5 Professional development workshops led by professionals in the field (Fall 2026); A solo exhibition at A.I.R. Gallery (Spring/Summer 2027); An artist-mentor at A.I.R. Gallery to work with throughout the program; One-on-one studio visit with one of the review panelists; Ongoing studio visits and support from A.I.R. staff; A stipend of $3,000. Selection Process: The selection review process is completely anonymous. The review is conducted in three rounds by a three-person panel of outside curators, critics, and established artists. Artists are evaluated based on the quality of and commitment to their work, as well as their potential to significantly benefit from the Fellowship Program’s support. A final interview and selection is made by A.I.R. Members and Staff. Six artists will be awarded a fellowship. Application FAQ includes details on citizenship (not required, but must live in NYC metro area), work submission (past 3 years' strongest work), student status (can apply if graduating before Sep 2026), exhibition history (only permanent venue solo shows in NYC are disqualifying), composite images (not recommended, max 2 views per image), artist teams (accepted if collaborative history shown), travel (limited absences allowed), application edits (not possible after submission), and importance of participation.

What is Offered

A stipend of $3,000, 4–5 professional development workshops, a solo exhibition at A.I.R. Gallery, an artist-mentor, one-on-one studio visit with a review panelist, and ongoing studio visits and support from A.I.R. staff.

Requirements

A woman or non-binary visual artist working in any media; 18 years of age or older; A resident of New York City, adjoining counties, or the Hudson Valley (Putnam, Dutchess, and Ulster counties) from September 2026–August 2027; Have not had a solo exhibition at a permanent venue in NYC in the last 10 years; Not a student or enrolled in any degree-granting program at the time of the program (September 2026–August 2027); Not participating in a comparable development, fellowship, or residency program at the time of the program (September 2026–August 2027); Not currently a member, employee, or board member of A.I.R. Gallery, and have not previously had a solo show at A.I.R.; Not a Fellowship Program alum.

How to Apply

Applicants must apply via Submittable at https://airgallery.submittable.com/submit/332757/fellowship-2026-2027. Submissions are anonymously reviewed, and no submitted materials may include the applicant's name, including file names. Any submission containing an artist’s name will be disqualified.