FINANCIAL AID & FELLOWSHIPS

OUR GENERAL APPLICATION FOR JANUARY-JUNE 2025 RESIDENCIES WITH FELLOWSHIP AND FINANCIAL AID SUPPORT IS OPEN.

APPLICATIONS ARE AVAILABLE IN ENGLISH AND SPANISH.

DEADLINE TO APPLY IS JUNE 8TH.

JUMP TO:
GENERAL FELLOWSHIPS
FELLOWSHIPS FOR BLACK & INDIGENOUS ARTISTS/WRITERS
MASSACHUSETTS FELLOWSHIP
OREGON VISUAL ARTS FELLOWSHIP
PUERTO RICO ARTIST FELLOWSHIP
UNIVERSITY-SPONSORED FELLOWSHIPS
FINANCIAL AID
MEET PREVIOUS FELLOWSHIPS AWARDEES

General Application: Fellowships & Partial AID

Artists seeking financial support from the Studios to attend the residency must apply during one of our “general” application periods (Apr. 8 – Jun. 8 and Sept. 8 – Nov. 8). Awards are typically made about 4 to 9 months before the dates of the session being awarded.

We offer many full-ride fellowships (no residency fee charged to the artist), often in specific donor-identified categories, but there are always multiple general fellowships available. As an equity commitment, we give priority for fellowships to first-time attendees with demonstrated financial need, and we appreciate when selected artists with financial capacity are able to pay a portion of the cost of the residency, allowing us to reserve crucial fellowship funds for those with the greatest need.

During a general application period, the fellowships available for that season will be listed on this page, so check back after the next application round has opened, or join our mailing list to keep updated on what funding opportunities are coming up.

And please note that the already subsidized, full artist residency fee is $650 per week (compared to $900+ per week of actual costs), but every selected artist who indicates financial need will receive further discounts (partial financial aid) even if a full fellowship is not available; we aim for no one to be deterred from attending due to a financial burden.

EARLY APPLICATION

The special “early application” opportunity (offered twice per year, Jan. 8 – Mar. 8 and Aug. 8 – Oct. 8) is strictly for artists who could benefit from additional lead time to plan their stay, with announcements typically made 9 months – 15 months before the session being awarded, making it easier to apply for outside funding from sources such as a university employer or an international or regional arts council.

Artists applying via the Early Application will NOT be considered for MASS MoCA’s financial aid budget or fellowships, so you should only use the Early Application if you are confident of being able to secure the funds to pay at our full rate of $650 per week. A limited number of Early Application slots are available each season, so this is also a highly competitive process, even though the overall number of early applicants is much lower. Having an appropriate and likely-to-be-successful funding plan is critical.

If you are accepted via the Early Application but are unable to secure the necessary support to attend, you may cancel your residency without penalty up until 6 months of the start of your session, which allows us time to award the slot to someone on our waitlist.

ALUMNI APPLICATION

If you’re a Studios at MASS MoCA alum, we’re thrilled that you’d like to come back! Twice per year (Jan. 8 – Mar. 8 and Aug. 8 – Oct. 8), we offer a special, simplified application for you to tell us briefly what you’ve been up to since your previous residency at MASS MoCA. With this application, you’re only competing against fellow alumni, so while not as competitive as our general application, we only reserve a few alumni spots each season and acceptance is not guaranteed. Alumni are not currently eligible for residency fellowships or our general financial aid pool and instead pay a standard reduced alumni rate of $400 per week for residencies of 4 weeks, and $450 per week for a 2-week residency. (Note: artists who have attended a workshop-in-residence at the Studios are not considered eligible alumni for this subsidized opportunity.)

GENERAL FELLOWSHIPS (ALL DISCIPLINES)

The Studios at MASS MoCA will offer multiple full fellowships that do not have geographic or demographic limitations. This means that anyone who wishes to can apply for one of these fellowships, regardless of discipline or location. The fellowship funds all residency fees for up to four weeks in residence. To apply, simply select the appropriate box on the fellowships question of the general Studios residency application. There is no separate application for this opportunity. Be sure to also indicate whether you would like to be considered for a regular, partially subsidized residency at the Studios at MASS MoCA if you are not awarded one of these special fellowship residencies. All applicants must first be accepted through the regular jurying process to receive this fellowship.

FELLOWSHIP FOR BLACK OR INDIGENOUS ARTISTS AND WRITERS

Recognizing the additional barriers faced by Black and Indigenous creators of all disciplines, the Studios award a number of additional fellowships to artists and writers working in any discipline who identify as Black or Indigenous. These fellowships fund all residency fees for up to four weeks in residence. To apply, simply select the appropriate box on the fellowships question of our general Studios residency application. There is no separate application for this opportunity. Be sure to also indicate whether you would like to be considered for a regular, partially subsidized residency at the Studios at MASS MoCA if you are not awarded one of these special fellowship residencies. All applicants must first be accepted through the regular jurying process to receive this fellowship.

MASSACHUSETTS Fellowship (ALL DISCIPLINES)

This fellowship will award multiple Massachusetts-based artists working in any discipline a fully funded 2-week residency from February 12, 2025 - February 24, 2025. These dates are not flexible, so you must be available for the full residency to be awarded this fellowship.

There is no separate application for this opportunity. Be sure to also indicate whether you would like to be considered for a regular, partially subsidized residency at the Studios at MASS MoCA if you are not awarded one of these special fellowship residencies. All applicants must first be accepted through the regular jurying process to receive this fellowship.

OREGON Visual Arts Fellowship

Supported by The Ford Family Foundation, this fellowship is awarded to visual artists currently living in the state of Oregon. The fellowship funds all residency fees for either four weeks or two weeks, plus a stipend for travel or other expenses ($1,200 stipend for 4-week residencies, and $800 stipend for 2-week residencies). To qualify for this fellowship, you must be (1) a visual artist who has evidenced five or more years of active professional participation in your medium, (2) have lived in the state of Oregon for at least 36 months prior to applying, (3) not currently enrolled in a degree seeking program. For the purpose of this award, “Visual Arts” include a broad array of work designed to be experienced primarily in an exhibition, installation or object-based environment. Media or other work intended to be web-based or theatrically viewed is not included in this definition.

To apply, simply select the appropriate box on the fellowships question of our general Studios residency application. There is no separate application for this opportunity. All applicants must first be accepted through the regular jurying process to receive this fellowship.

UNIVERSITY FELLOWSHIPS

There is no separate application for the University Fellowships. To apply, simply select the appropriate box on the fellowships question of the general Studios residency application. Be sure to also indicate whether you would like to be considered for a regular, partially subsidized residency at the Studios at MASS MoCA if you are not awarded this special fellowship residency. All applicants must first be accepted through the regular jurying process to receive this fellowship. Please read over each fellowship to ensure that you qualify before selecting it in the application.

BARD COLLEGE MFA FELLOWSHIP

In partnership with Bard College, the Studios will be offering one fellowship for a qualifying applicant. Applicants must be a current M.F.A. student in any discipline with an expected graduation date from Bard of 2024 or 2025. The fellowship funds all residency fees for up to two weeks in residence.

BROOKLYN COLLEGE / CORINNE HOLIBER SZABO ‘54

In partnership with the Brooklyn College Department of Art, the Studios will be offering one fellowship for a qualifying Brooklyn College M.F.A. student with a graduation year of 2024 or 2025 or an M.F.A. graduate with a graduation year of 2022 or 2023. The fellowship funds all residency fees for up to four weeks in residence.

CORCORAN SCHOOL / GWU MFA FELLOWSHIP

In partnership with the Corcoran School at George Washington University, the Studios will be offering one fellowship for a qualifying applicant. Applicants must have earned or are earning an MFA in Fine Arts, or an MFA in Social Practice, or an MA in New Photojournalism, with a graduation year of 2023 - 2025. The fellowship funds all residency fees for up to four weeks in residence.

MASSACHUSETTS COLLEGE OF ART & DESIGN MFA FELLOWSHIP

In partnership with the Massachusetts College of Art & Design, the Studios will be offering two fellowships for qualifying applicants. Applicants must have a graduation date from any of MassArt’s graduate degree programs sometime between 2021 - 2025. The fellowship funds all residency fees for one two-week residency and one four-week residency.

MAINE COLLEGE OF ART AND DESIGN MFA FELLOWSHIP

In partnership with Maine College of Art and Design, the Studios will be offering one 2-week fellowship:

MFA FELLOWSHIP: Applicants must have previously attended or are currently attending MECAD’s MFA program (low or full residency). There are no restrictions regarding year of graduation. Additionally, the applicant must self-identify as a person of color.

The fellowship funds all residency fees for up to two weeks in residence.

MARYLAND INSTITUTE COLLEGE OF ART MFA OR MA FELLOWSHIP

In partnership with Maryland Institute College of Art, this Studios will offer one fellowship for a qualifying applicant. Applicants must be earning their MFA or MA from MICA with a graduation year of Spring 2024 - 2026.

The fellowship funds all residency fees for up to four weeks in residence.

RHODE ISLAND SCHOOL OF DESIGN MFA / BFA FELLOWSHIP

In partnership with Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), the Studios will offer 4 weeks of fellowship support for up to two qualifying applicants. Applicants must be currently earning their MFA or BFA in any discipline at RISD, and be graduating in 2024.

The fellowship funds all residency fees for one four-week residency or two two-week residencies.

SCHOOL OF ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO MFA OR MA FELLOWSHIP

In partnership with School of Art Institute of Chicago, the Studios will offer one fellowship for a qualifying applicant. Applicants must be earning their MFA or MA at SAIC in any discipline, and be graduating in 2024.

The fellowship funds all residency fees for up to four weeks in residence.

TYLER SCHOOL OF ART AND ARCHITECTURE / TEMPLE UNIVERSITY MFA FELLOWSHIP

In partnership with the Tyler School of Art and Architecture at Temple University, the Studios will offer 4 weeks of fellowship support for up to two qualifying applicants. Applicants must be currently earning their MFA or be a recent MFA graduate in any discipline at the Tyler School of Art and Architecture, with a graduation year between 2021 and 2025.

The fellowship funds all residency fees for one four-week residency or two two-week residencies.

UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN MFA FELLOWSHIP

In partnership with the University of Texas at Austin, the Studios will offer one fellowship for a qualifying applicant. Applicants eligible for support must have a graduation date of 2025 from any of the University’s MFA in Studio Art programs.

The fellowship funds all residency fees for up to four weeks in residence.

UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA BFA FELLOWSHIP

In partnership with University of Virginia, the Studios will offer one fellowship for a qualifying applicant. Applicants will be nominated by UVA’s Department of Art in order to qualify for the opportunity. Nominated applicants should be an undergraduate student/alum artist with a graduation year of 2022 - 2024. Further, they must identify as either a person of color or a first-generation college student.

The fellowship funds all residency fees for up to two weeks in residence.

WHAT IF I ONLY QUALIFY FOR ONE OF THE LIMITED NUMBER OF GENERAL FELLOWSHIPS?

Never fear! Although we don’t yet have full fellowship funding for everyone, we offer robust, partial financial aid to all attendees who need it. Simply fill out the quick financial questions at the bottom of your application and indicate whether you would like to be considered for partial need-based aid if you are not awarded a fellowship. Unless you receive one of the fellowships above, you will be asked to pay at least some portion of your residency fees. Our fellowship opportunities change every season, so check back regularly, or join our mailing list to keep updated on what funding opportunities we are offering this year. Your financial aid package will be sent to you along with your award letter.

Learn how you can sponsor a residency fellowship for a future artist.

Previous Seasons’ Fellowships

Every season we expand our partnerships to reach new audiences of artists with fully funded residencies. See who we’ve supported in the past!

2024: Meet our first batch of awardees.

11 General Fellowships and Black or Indigenous Fellowships; 4 Oregon Visual Artists Fellowships; 1 Massachusetts Fellowships; 6 Puerto Rico Artists Fellowships; 1 Guatemala Artists Fellowships, 4 University Fellowships: University of Texas — Austin, Brooklyn College, Corcoran School of the Arts and Design, City College of New York.

2023: MEET THE SUMMER/FALL AWARDEES

22 General Fellowships and Black or Indigenous Fellowships; 2 Oregon Visual Artists Fellowships; 8 Massachusetts Family Fellowship; 15 University Fellowships: Boston University, Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Art, Maine College of Art & Design, School of the Art Institute Chicago, Maryland Institute College of Art, University of Virginia, University of Oregon, Yale, Virginia Commonwealth University, Massachusetts College of Art and Design.

2022: Meet the summer/fall awardees. meet the winter/spring awardees

14 General Fellowships and Black or Indigenous Fellowships; 6 Massachusetts Artist Fellowships; 6 CreateWell Future Frequencies Fellowships; 7 Puerto Rico Artist Fellowships; 4 Oregon Visual Arts Fellowships; 3 McKnight Fellowships; MCLA Under 27 Writer-in-Residence; University Fellowships: University of Arkansas, Bard College, Boston University, Brooklyn College, MassArt, Maine College of Art & Design, Maryland Institute College of Art, University of Virginia, Virginia Commonwealth University, Yale.

2021: Meet the awardees

Massachusetts Financial Wellness Residency (5 fellowships), CreateWell Fund + Financial Wellness Residency for MA BIPOC Artists (7 fellowships), Oregon Visual Arts Fellowship (4 fellowships), Converging Liberations Residency (12 fellowships), Writer of Color Fellowship (2 fellowships), MCLA’s Under 27 Writer Fellowship, University Fellowships: Bard College, UArk, Boston University, Corcoran School, MassArt, MICA, PAFA, Stamps School, UVA, Lesley, Maine College of Art

2020

Puerto Rico Artist Fellowship (5 fellowships), Puerto Rico Artist Parents Fellowship (3 fellowships), Massachusetts Financial Wellness Residency (8 fellowships), CreateWell Fund + Financial Wellness Residency for MA BIPOC Artists (4 fellowships), Massachusetts Writers Fellowship, University Fellowships: UArk, Boston University, Corcoran School, MassArt, MICA, PAFA, Stamps School, VCU, Yale

2019

Puerto Rico Artist Fellowship (6 fellowships), Massachusetts Financial Wellness Residency (12 fellowships), Faculty Residencies (24 fellowships), University Fellowships: Boston University, MassArt, MICA

2018

Puerto Rico Artist Fellowship (6 fellowships), Massachusetts Financial Wellness Residency (12 fellowships)