2026 KRESGE ARTIST FELLOWSHIP APPLICATION CYCLE BEGINS

Artists residing in Wayne, Oakland, or Macomb county can apply for the $50,000 fellowships starting December 1, 2025. The latest application guidelines for the no strings attached award are available now.

“The cost of living keeps rising, and artists feel that pressure like everyone else,” said Katie McGowan, Director of Kresge Arts in Detroit. “What’s different here is the trust behind the support, this fellowship is not prescriptive–both the monetary prize and award year support give artists the space to take risks or slow down long enough to build something lasting. The cumulative effect of well-funded and deeply supported artists might seem intangible, but its economic and social impacts are measurable across neighborhoods throughout the tri-county area.”

In 2026, there will be 20 awards in total—10 Kresge Artist Fellowships at $50,000 each and 10 Gilda Awards at $5,000 each. Fellowships and Gilda Awards are divided between the two categories—Live Arts and Film & Music—based on the relative number of applications received in each category.

While the number of Kresge Artist Fellowships has varied from year to year since the program’s inception, the eligibility requirements and selection criteria have remained consistent: a demonstrated track record of artistic achievement and high-quality work, the potential to grow and advance in one’s career, and the potential to reflect, enhance, or impact communities within metro Detroit.

The $50,000 fellowships continue to include artist support and a commissioned short film highlighting the artist’s work.

“This fellowship is an incredible opportunity to not only showcase your artistry, but to become a part of a family of artists and arts supporters unlike anywhere in the country,” said Michelle May, 2018 Kresge Artist Fellow in Music. “Don’t worry if you haven’t had a long arts career; this award is about artistic achievement and high-quality work at any stage! The most impactful part of applying for me was being able to articulate not only what I do as a musician and composer, but why I do it and why I think what I do is important.  It really helped me be much more introspective about my place in the world, which in turn expanded my art practice!  My two best pieces of advice are to not wait until the last minute to apply and to be sure to have a few people, artists and non-artists, review your statements. Congratulations on applying!”