The 2026 AIM Fellowship Application Deadline

About the Open Call

Founded in 1980, the AIM Fellowship (formerly known as the “Artist in Marketplace ©” Fellowship) is The Bronx Museum’s flagship incubator and career accelerator program for the most promising artists based in NYC. 14 artists are selected annually for this nine-month practicum led by a distinguished faculty of experts covering finance, law, media management, and writing. The Fellowship operates in two halves: 'Career Foundations' (February–June 2026) and 'Career Development' (September–December 2026), with fellows meeting on Tuesdays from 6–9 PM at The Bronx Museum. Topics include The Art Market, The Artist Statement, The Artist’s Studio, Career Planning, Communication Strategies, The Curator/Artist Relationship, Financial Literacy, Funding Opportunities, Legal Issues in Art, Studio Visits, Portfolio Reviews, Peer-led sessions, Guest Artist Visits, Exhibition Preparation & Time Management, Working with Institutions, Audience Development, Community Art Practice, Artist Archives, and Documentation & Presentation. The program concludes with the annual AIM Convening, collaboratively organized by outgoing fellows, positioning them as professional development experts and building community among artists in New York City. Although not a studio program, the Museum highlights fellows' artwork through a dedicated biennial exhibition accompanied by a fully-illustrated catalogue.

What is Offered

A nine-month practicum led by a distinguished faculty of experts covering finance, law, media management, and writing; an annual AIM Convening; studio visits; portfolio reviews; peer-led sessions; guest artist visits; career planning; exhibition preparation; working with institutions; audience development; community art practice; artist archives; documentation & presentation. Includes participation in a dedicated biennial exhibition accompanied by a fully-illustrated catalogue, and a stipend/honorarium.

Requirements

Applicants must be 21 years of age or older and apply individually. They must be artists with 2-10 years of actively creating and presenting new and original work in the field of visual arts who have yet to be widely recognized. Applicants must be NYC residents at the time of application and throughout the program term. Cannot be enrolled in a degree-granting or professional development program concurrently. Cannot be a current employee of The Bronx Museum or an immediate family member or employee of a Bronx Museum board member. Cannot be represented by a commercial gallery (either in or outside of the U.S.). Enrollment is limited to U.S. citizens or permanent residents of the U.S. Semi-finalists must be available for an in-person group interview in Fall 2025, and selected artists must attend Fellowship meetings and activities for the program duration.

How to Apply

Applicants must complete this form via submittable: bronxmuseum.submittable.com/2025-bronx-museum-aim-fellowship. Please read the instructions carefully; only complete applications will be considered. Applicants are asked to submit 6 artworks (no more than 3 years old) that best represent their artistic practice.