Harvardwood Emerging Visual Artist Fellowship

Harvardwood is pleased to announce the inaugural Harvardwood Emerging Visual Artist Fellowship for visual artists who have graduated from Harvard College in the past five years. The purpose of the Fellowship is to develop, elevate, and amplify visual artists during the crucial early stages of their career. 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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The inaugural Fellow will be notified by December 31st, 2024, and the Fellowship will run from January 1, 2025 through December 31, 2025. At least one Fellow will be named and awarded a $10,000 grant. Grant funds can be used at the grantee’s discretion in support of their creative work for the duration of the Fellowship period. 

Applicants must have graduated from Harvard College within the last 5 years (degree received between May of 2019 and December 2024). This Fellowship is open to artists working in predominantly 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 your 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 introduce a 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 the Emerging Visual Artist Fellowship is a groundbreaking step in that direction."

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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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2025 Eligibility

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To apply, individuals must create work as a visual artist (in one or more of the disciplines described above), be Harvard College alumni with a degree received between May 2019 through December 2024, complete the application 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 projects 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. 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 will be accepted starting on October 1st, 2024 and will be due Friday, November 30th 2024, with the recipient(s) notified by December 31st, 2024. Unless Fellowship funds need to be utilized at a particular time for project-related expenses, funds will be distributed quarterly to the Harvardwood Visual Artist Fellow(s) beginning in January 2025 and ending in December 2025.