State of the Arts Fellowship

About this call

The State of the Arts Fellowship is a New York State initiative that embeds artists within state government agencies to develop creative solutions to real policy and community challenges. The 2026-27 cycle will place four fellows across four agencies: the NY State Canal Corporation, the Division of Human Rights, Homes and Community Renewal/SONYMA, and the Office of People with Developmental Disabilities. Fellows work across two phases: a research and discovery phase from February to August 2027, followed by an implementation phase from August 2027 to February 2028. Artists from all disciplines are eligible to apply. The award is $60,000 per fellow, covering all project expenses.

Who can apply

• Domestic applicants
• Medium: Painting / Photography / Sculpture / Printmaking / Drawing / Mixed Media / New Media / Video / Installation / Performance / Textile / Ceramics / Writing / Curatorial
• Free entry
• Open to solo artists from all disciplines who are 18 or older, residents of New York State or of a Tribal Nation located within it, eligible to work in New York State, and not enrolled in an academic program during the fellowship. Fellowship involves two phases: research (February-August 2027) and implementation (August 2027-February 2028) embedded within a New York State agency. The $60,000 award is inclusive of all project expenses.