Harvardwood Emerging Visual Artist Fellowship

Harvardwood is thrilled to announce the second year of the Harvardwood Emerging Visual Artist Fellowship for visual artists who have or are currently pursuing degrees from Harvard University. This second cycle brings an increased grant amount and opens access to a wider range of emerging artists. The purpose of the Fellowship is to develop, elevate, and amplify visual artists during the crucial early stages of their careers. The generous gift from an anonymous donor will support at least one artist as they pursue their creative projects over the course of a year.

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At least one Fellow will be named and awarded a $24,000 grant. Grant funds can be used at the grantee’s discretion in support of their creative work for the duration of the Fellowship period. ​

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This Fellowship is open to artists working in visual disciplines (sculpture, painting, photography, printmaking, textiles, ceramics, drawing/illustration, multimedia, etc). For the purposes of this Fellowship, the fields of narrative or nonfiction film, theater, and performance art are not included; artists working exclusively in these disciplines may apply for other Harvardwood Fellowships. Applicants may reach out to Harvardwood for confirmation if there is uncertainty around whether their work falls into an included category.

Each Fellow will receive additional assistance through Harvardwood via programs, resources, and access to the wider Harvardwood network during their fellowship year.

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Harvardwood Founder Mia Riverton Alpert (AB ’99) said, "Harvardwood is thrilled to continue offering this important Fellowship dedicated to supporting artists working in visual, studio, and fine art mediums. We have long aspired to better serve the passionate and talented Harvard visual arts community, and thanks to the generosity of our donor, the Emerging Visual Artist Fellowship is a groundbreaking step in that direction."

The Fellowship selection committee is comprised of Harvardwood board members, other industry professionals, and/or Harvard University staff with expertise in various artistic disciplines.

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2026 Eligibility​

To be eligible for this Fellowship, applicants must:

• ​Be a current senior at Harvard College (degree expected May 2026 or sooner) OR a graduate of Harvard College OR a graduate of any Harvard University degree program

• (If not a current Harvard College senior,) have graduated within the last eight years from their undergraduate institution (Harvard or other) - i.e. degree received on or after May 2018

• Be visual and studio artists only (not narrative or nonfiction film or performing arts—artists working in those or other disciplines may consider applying here for the Harvardwood Artist Launch Fellowship instead). 

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Applicants must complete the above form, provide a resume, work samples or portfolio, an introductory video, an artist statement (in written, audio, or video format), a letter of recommendation, a creative plan with an overview of envisioned project(s) to be completed or substantially developed during the term of the Fellowship, and a projected budget indicating how grant funds would be used for the term of the Fellowship. The finalist round may include a virtual interview. Applicants must be or have graduated in good academic standing with no disciplinary infractions. Individuals who have previously been beneficiaries of Harvardwood grants or scholarships or have participated in Harvardwood programs are eligible if they meet the other terms of eligibility.​

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Applications are due Monday, January 19th 2026 at 11:59pm PT, with Letter of Recommendation deadline of January 30th, 2026.