Frequently Asked Questions
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What is a Kresge Artist Fellowship?
Kresge Artist Fellowships are $40,000 no-strings-attached awards for emerging and established 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, et cetera. Fellowships also include award year opportunities, for example, participation in Kresge Arts in Detroit’s film series highlighting the work and perspectives of Detroit artists.
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Where can I find the most recent application guidelines?
Click here to see the guidelines for the 2024 Kresge Artist Fellowship application cycle.
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How do I apply for a Gilda Award?
In the online fellowship application, you will be asked to note if you would like to be considered for a Gilda Snowden Emerging Artist Award—there is no separate application for this award. Your answer does not impact whether you will receive a Kresge Artist Fellowship.
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How and when will I learn if I received a 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.
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What happens after I submit my application?
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 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.
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Who selects fellows and Gilda Award recipients?
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.
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Can I apply if I am taking classes towards a degree?
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.
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Can I apply if I work in collaboration with another artist (or group of artists)?
Artists who collaborate, and who have an ongoing demonstrated history of collaborative work, are permitted to apply under a 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 $40,000 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 guidelines for further information.
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May I apply in more than one category?
No, one application is permitted per person.
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If I have applied and not been selected in the past, is it worth applying again?
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.
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What if I move out of the area after I apply?
Your application would be deemed ineligible.
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Is my non-profit organization eligible to apply for a fellowship?
No. Kresge Artist Fellowships are only awarded to individual artists.
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Will Kresge Arts in Detroit provide feedback on my application materials before I submit?
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 18, 2024 deadline.