A.I.R. Fellowship Program Grant

The A.I.R. Fellowship Program, established in 1993, empowers emerging women and non-binary artists in New York City by providing them with their first solo exhibition, mentorship, and professional development opportunities. Each year, six artists benefit from a 12-month fellowship that includes workshops, curatorial support, and a stipend of $3,000, fostering an inclusive community that encourages creative exploration and dialogue among diverse artists.

Fellowship Program for Emerging and Underrepresented Women and Non-Binary Artists has enabled more than 120 artists to realize their first solo exhibition in New York City with the support of the A.I.R. community. The Fellowship Program annually awards six local emerging artists with their first solo exhibition, professional development programming, curatorial support, and mentorship during a 12-month fellowship that runs September–August.
Intended to support artists in building sustainable and enriching artistic practices, the program provides participants with career-changing, lifelong resources and community in a space that encourages creative risk-taking and intergenerational dialogue. Central to the program are a series of professional development workshops on subjects such as grant writing and exhibition design, close collaboration with an A.I.R. artist mentor, and scheduled studio visits throughout the year, including one with a selection panelist.
Benefits
4–5 Professional development workshops led by professionals in the field (Fall 2026)
A solo exhibition at A.I.R. Gallery (Spring/Summer 2027)
An artist-mentor at A.I.R. Gallery to work with throughout the program

Eligibility

18 years of age or older
A resident of New York City, adjoining counties, or the Hudson Valley (Putnam, Dutchess, and Ulster counties) from September 2026–August 2027
Have not had a solo exhibition at a permanent venue in NYC in the last 10 years
Not a student or enrolled in any degree-granting program at the time of the program (September 2026–August 2027)
Not participating in a comparable development, fellowship, or residency program at the time of the program (September 2026–August 2027)
Not currently a member, employee, or board member of A.I.R. Gallery, and have not previously had a solo show at A.I.R.