Frequently Asked Questions

Kresge Artist Fellowships are $50,000 awards (up from $40,000) for emerging and established metro Detroit artists. Fellowships are not project grants. Awards may be used to cover any aspect of the artist’s life, such as living expenses, residency fees, art supplies, equipment, classes, travel expenses, and so on. Fellowships also include award year opportunities, for example, participation in Kresge Arts in Detroit’s film series highlighting the work and perspectives of metro Detroit artists.

Click here to see the guidelines for the 2025 Kresge Artist Fellowship application cycle.

In the online fellowship application, you will be asked to note if you would like to be considered for a Gilda Award—there is no separate application for this award. Your answer does not impact whether you will be considered to receive a Kresge Artist Fellowship.

All applicants receive email notification in early summer after the final decisions are made and prior to any public announcement. The names of all Kresge Artist Fellows, Gilda Award recipients, and the panelists who selected them will later be listed on the Kresge Arts in Detroit website.

After the application deadline, Kresge Arts in Detroit staff reviews all applications to ensure they meet the application guidelines and eligibility criteria. Staff may request additional information from an applicant at any time during the process. Applications that appear to meet the eligibility criteria and application guidelines are forwarded for consideration by a selection panel.

Over several months, through multiple rounds, local, regional, and national panelists review those eligible applications and select the fellowship recipients. New panelists participate each year.

In the final stage of review, Kresge Arts in Detroit staff contact artists whose applications are still being considered. Finalists are asked to confirm and document that they meet the eligibility criteria. At all stages, Kresge Arts in Detroit makes the determination, in its sole discretion, as to whether the eligibility criteria—including proof of past, current, and future residency—and application guidelines have been met.

Each year, a new group of panelists reviews eligible applications and selects the Kresge Artist Fellows and Gilda Award recipients. Kresge Arts in Detroit staff confirms that applicants meet eligibility criteria and application guidelines, but do not otherwise contribute to decision making or selection of Kresge Artist Fellows or Gilda Award recipients.

No. You may not apply if you are working toward, or planning to work toward, a degree during the course of the year-long fellowship period. Ph.D. candidates with ABD (all but dissertation) status may apply.

Artists who have an ongoing, demonstrated history of collaboration may apply together with one collaborative application. Applications should have 1 primary applicant and include the contact information for up to 4 additional collaborators.

Should a collaborative artist group receive a fellowship, the $50,000 award is split evenly among the named collaborators. Should a collaborative artist group receive a Gilda Award, the $5,000 award is split evenly among the collaborators.

Each collaborative artist must meet all eligibility requirements listed in the selection criteria. Please see the guidelines for further information.

If you are a visual artist and a literary artist, the submission of one application per category is permitted.

Yes! Selected artists have often applied several times before they receive a fellowship. Every year, a new group of panelists reviews applications, bringing fresh perspectives to the selection process. Previous applicants are strongly encouraged to re-apply.

There is an upside to applying regardless of the outcome—the application process will give you the chance to examine your work closely and articulate your vision clearly. Your responses on the Kresge Artist Fellowship application give you a head start on the applications for other fellowship and grant opportunities.

Your application would be deemed ineligible.

No. Kresge Artist Fellowships are only awarded to individual artists.

We are here to help with general questions you may have about how to apply and craft a strong application, but we are unable to provide feedback regarding the specific content of your in-progress application.

Kresge Arts in Detroit staff are available to review your work samples for compliance after you submit your application, as long as you submit at least one week in advance of the January 16, 2025 deadline.