Call for Emerging Artists! 2026 Emerging Artist Fellowship at Bethany Arts Community

Call for Emerging Artists!

In 2022, Bethany Arts Community (BAC) identified the need and opportunity to support a longer-term fellowship specifically for emerging artists ages 21+. In 2026, BAC welcomes its fourth Emerging Artist Fellowship, running in two cohorts with two fellows in each cohort, from May 21 – September 3, 2026 and July 23 – November 5, 2026. 

This fellowship is designed to offer a creative home to emerging artists as they transition into and deepen their professional careers and artistic practices. With support provided by BAC, Emerging Artist Fellows will be able to devote uninhibited energy toward their creative work. 

Emerging Artist Fellows will join a community of artists and culture workers from a broad range of disciplines, including Fall Multidisciplinary residents, local studio artists, BAC staff and board members, and artists presenting programs on campus. In addition, Emerging Artist Fellows will be encouraged to participate in education and enrichment programs, curatorial planning, and gain insight into the “back-end” operations of arts institutions. 

Bethany Arts Community strives to empower the voices of emerging artists in shaping their own careers and future programs at BAC and beyond. 

The Emerging Artist Fellowship cohorts run for approximately fifteen weeks each: May 21 – September 3, 2026 and July 23 – November 5, 2026. Emerging Artist Fellows are provided with boarding, a private studio, and a $250 weekly stipend. Emerging Artist Fellows are responsible for their own transportation to and from BAC, any supplies or materials needed for their practice, and meals (Emerging Artist Fellows will have access to a communal kitchen area). 

EMERGING ARTIST FELLOW REQUIREMENTS 
– 15-week commitment, living on BAC’s bucolic suburban campus 
– 10 hours per week on average supporting Bethany program development 
            – This may include, but is not limited to camp help, administrative tasks, meal prep, kitchen, and cleaning support during other programs and residencies. 
– Community Program: Each Emerging Artist Fellow will design and present one free, public-facing program with support from BAC.
– Support and interact with other artists-in-residence, studio artists, and BAC staff  

ELIGIBILITY 
– 21+ years of age
– Active artistic practice and goals 
– Interest in community building and engagement 
– Potential to benefit from the fellowship as an emerging artist  

APPLICATION PROCESS 
– Applications must be submitted through Submittable
– One Letter of Recommendation is required and must be submitted by the deadline listed below; this letter also serves as Reference #1
– One additional reference is required
Applicants selected for final consideration will be notified on March 4, 2026 and invited to interview with a Bethany Arts Community panel. 

SELECTION PROCESS 
– All applications will be reviewed by the Emerging Artist Fellowship Selection Committee. 
– Applications may be submitted between January 5, 2026 to February 20, 2026. 
– Letter of Recommendation is due by February 24, 2026 for your application to be considered. 

IMPORTANT DATES
Applications Open: January 5, 2026  
Application Deadline: February 20, 2026 at 11:59PM EST 
LOR Deadline: February 24, 2026 at 11:59 EST 
Interview Notifications: March 4, 2026 
Interview Period: March 5-6, 10-11, 2026 
Final Notifications: March 21, 2026 

Q&A SESSIONS
We are hosting four office-hours style Q&A sessions for this fellowship application on 
Thursday, January 15, 2026 3-4PM EST 
Friday, January 23, 2026 7-8PM EST
Tuesday, February 3, 2026 3-4PM EST
Thursday, February 12, 2026 7:30-8:30PM EST 

If you’re interested in attending any of these sessions, please email submit@bethanyarts.org with your name and chosen date/time for the Zoom link. Attending these sessions will not impact the selection process for residency. 

To check out our grounds, other residency and fellowship programs, and more visit our website at www.bethanyarts.org. If you have issues using the submission form, please contact Submittable.  

The Bethany Arts Community Emerging Artist Fellowship is made possible by the New York Community Trust.