Tennessee Individual Artist Fellowship

Professional Tennessee artists age 18 or older with three years of state residency may apply in one fellowship category per year. Artists must be compensated for their work in a way that significantly supports their livelihood. Full-time students and past fellowship recipients are ineligible.

Fellowships are $5,000 unrestricted with no matching funds or required project. FY27 categories included craft, media, visual art, dance, music, theatre, and literary arts, with 1-3 awards per discipline.

FY27 applications were due February 3, 2026 (extended). Disciplines rotate annually with winter deadlines.

The Tennessee Arts Commission awards Individual Artist Fellowships to recognize outstanding professional artists who enrich the state's cultural life.