November 1, 2024
Application guidelines released
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Here you’ll find when, how, and what is needed to successfully complete an application for Kresge Artist Fellowships and Gilda Awards. Check below for the 2025 timeline for awards in the categories of Literary Arts and Visual Arts, determine whether you’re eligible to apply, and learn how fellows and Gilda Award recipients are chosen.
Application guidelines released
Online application opens
Application deadline
Kresge Artist Fellowships and Gilda Awards announced
Literary Arts
Includes Arts Criticism, Creative Nonfiction, Fiction, Graphic Novels, Playwriting, Poetry, Spoken Word, Zines, and Interdisciplinary Work
Visual Arts
Includes Book Art, Ceramics, Collage, Drawing, Fiber, Glass, Installation, Metalwork, New Media, Painting, Photography, Performance Art, Printmaking, Sculpture, Video Art, and Interdisciplinary Work
Kresge Artist Fellowships are $50,000 awards (up from $40,000) for emerging and established metro Detroit artists. Each fellowship award includes career support and the creation of a short film showing the artist’s work.
Fellowships recognize creative vision and commitment to excellence within a wide range of artistic disciplines, including artists who have been academically trained, self-taught artists, and artists whose art forms have been passed down through cultural heritage.
Gilda Awards are $5,000 prizes for emerging artists, named in honor of artist, College for Creative Studies professor, and 2009 Kresge Artist Fellow Gilda Snowden (1954–2014).
Fellowships and Gilda Awards are awarded with no strings attached, which means that artists may spend the money in whatever way makes sense for, and benefits, their creative practice or life (i.e., making new work, renting or purchasing studio space, travel, general living expenses, paying off debt, and so on).
You are eligible to apply if you:
You are ineligible to apply if you:
Note: This year, there is no waiting period for previous Kresge Artist Fellows to apply.
Eligibility confirmation: If your application advances to the final round of consideration for an award, you will be required to submit materials to document your legal residency in the tri-county area for the last two years.
Kresge Artist Fellowships recognize artists who demonstrate:
Gilda Awards recognize artists who are:
All applications will be reviewed by a panel consisting of national and local artists and arts professionals. Panelists will remain anonymous until the Kresge Artist Fellows and Gilda Award recipients are announced in the summer of 2025.
New panels are convened each year to review applications. Previous applicants are strongly encouraged to re-apply.
While not required, applicants are strongly encouraged to attend our virtual info sessions, which are designed to support artists in creating their most authentic and compelling Kresge Artist Fellowship application.
Application information session (virtual)
Wednesday, December 11, 2024
5:30–6:30 PM
Register
Kresge Arts in Detroit staff will provide an overview of the 2025 guidelines and walk through a sample application in Slideroom, sharing best practices for applicants. This Zoom webinar session will be recorded.
Application question & answers session (virtual)
Thursday, January 9, 2025
5:30–6:30 PM
Register
Kresge Arts in Detroit staff will address your specific, lingering questions about the application before the deadline. This session will not be recorded.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Application Guidelines
2025 Guidelines
2025 Plain Text Guidelines
Computer and Internet Access
Many local libraries provide free internet and computer access. Search your local Michigan public library at publiclibraries.com
Translation Services
Fellowship applications may only be submitted in English. For translation services, visit Welcome Mat Detroit, a local immigrant integration network, to search their translation service database, or visit Hamtramck-based Bromberg & Associates.
Artist Statements and Resumes Worksheet
Download worksheet
Stay Informed
Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for application tips, information, and reminders, and join our email list to get application information delivered directly to your inbox.
Make sure you understand every question. Gather your paperwork. Attend an information session.
Be clear and thoughtful. Think deeply about what you do and why it matters.
Select the work that best represents your practice and your vision.
Have a trusted reader—or two—read your application. Give it one last look. Hit submit.
Applications must be submitted by 11:59 PM Thursday, January 16, 2025. There are no exceptions to this deadline.