Individual Artists Fellowship — Emerging Artist Fellows

California artists and culture bearers apply through one of eight regional administering organizations based on county of residence. Emerging Artist Fellows are artists in the beginning stages of making work public who lack ongoing resources or support. Applicants must be 18 or older and have been California residents for at least two years.

Emerging tier awards are $5,000 unrestricted fellowships. Established ($10,000) and Legacy ($50,000) tiers exist for more developed careers, but emerging artists compete specifically for the $5,000 tier.

Each region sets its own application window, typically opening in April and closing between May and June. Artists apply directly to their regional partner via SlideRoom or similar portals.

The California Arts Council funds the statewide Individual Artists Fellowship program through regional partners such as Kala Art Institute (Bay Area), Arts Orange County (Inland Empire), and others.