Frequently Asked Questions
The questions (and answers) in this section focus mainly on eligibility requirements and our grant review process.
Refer to the contracts section
for any questions regarding your Artist Fellowship contract.
How do I apply for an Artist Fellowship?
The Artist Fellowships Application,
including instructions, is available on this web site. Please review the
guidelines before completing the application.
Back to Top
When is my application due?
There are two Artist Fellowship deadlines per cycle, with artistic
disciplines divided between deadlines in September and in January.
Refer to the program guidelines
to see when your discipline will be accepted. Online applications
must be submitted by 11:59 PM on the deadline day. Work sample(s)
must be postmarked by the deadline day or hand-delivered to the
MCC office by 5:00pm of the deadline day.
Back to Top
When will fellowship announcements be
made?
We will announce Artist Fellows and Finalists via email by early
February (for September deadline) or by early June (for January
deadline).
Back to Top
What part do I complete online and
what part do I mail or deliver?
For visual arts disciplines (Crafts, Drawing, Painting, Photography,
and Sculpture/Installation when submitting images), all aspects
of the application, including the online application form and the
uploading of digital images, must be completed online. For all other
disciplines (Choreography, Fiction/Creative Nonfiction, Film &
Video, Music Composition, Playwriting, Poetry, and Sculpture/Installation
when submitting DVDs), applicants are required to complete an online
application form, then mail or hand-deliver the work sample(s) (a
sampling of recent creative work). See
guidelines and discipline-specific instructions for more information.
Back to Top
Can I get a printed copy of the Artist Fellowship
application?
All Artist Fellowship applications must be completed online. If
you do not own a computer, we suggest you use the resources of your
local public library or contact the MCC. You may first print out
the discipline-specific
instructions so you can prepare your application before you
go to fill it out online. Work samples that are mailed to the MCC
but do not have a corresponding online application will not be reviewed.
Back to Top
Which disciplines are funded through the Artist Fellowships?
Discipline categories rotate on a biannual basis.
Even year categories are:
- Choreography
- Drawing
- Fiction/Creative Nonfiction
- Painting
- Poetry
- Traditional Arts
Odd year categories include:
- Crafts
- Film & Video
- Music Composition
- Photography
- Playwriting
- Sculpture/Installation
Back to Top
How much money can I receive through the Artist Fellowships?
Artist Fellowship awards are $7,500 and finalist awards are $500.
Back to Top
Can I apply in more than one discipline?
Yes. However, in the event that you are selected as a grant
recipient in more than one discipline, you will be listed as
a winner in each discipline but will receive only one monetary
award. Also, keep in mind that you cannot use the same works
of art for more than one application. You will need to create
a separate online application (with a new registration, username,
and password) for each discipline to which you apply.
Back to Top
I received an Artist Fellowship two years ago.
Am I eligible to apply in this funding cycle?
No. Recipients may not reapply for three years. For example, an
applicant who received a fellowship in 2010 is not eligible to apply
again until 2014.
Back to Top
I was previously selected as a Finalist.
Am I eligible to apply in my discipline in this funding cycle?
Yes. Finalists may reapply at any time.
Back to Top
Why can't I put my name on my work sample?
Except for Traditional Arts, all applications are evaluated in a completely
anonymous process. See the guidelines
for more information.
Back to Top
How is my work evaluated?
Your work is evaluated by a panel of artists and arts professionals in
your discipline. The process is twofold: in a first evaluation, panelists
forward the most competitive applicants to a final round. The panel then
ranks applicants and makes the determination of Artist Fellows. The evaluation
of work is anonymous at every step of the process, except in Traditional
Arts. Panelists judge only the artistic merit of the work submitted. Traditional
Arts applicants are evaluated by a panel of folklorists, traditional artists,
and other cultural specialists according to specific review criteria (please
see guidelines). All panel recommendations are presented to the MCC board
for final award decisions.
Back to Top
Who are the panelists?
Panelists are artists, teachers, critics and leaders in their
respective fields. We welcome new panelist recommendations.
Email the appropriate program
coordinator, and be sure to include contact information
for the panelist you are recommending.
Back to Top
What is an artist resume?
An artist resume or biography details your achievement as an
artist. The resume can include awards or recognition in your
field; publications, exhibitions, or presentations of your work;
public readings; workshops of your art; conferences and master
classes you have taught, organized, or attended; national, regional,
or state affiliations in your field (i.e. "member of the
Dramatists Guild"). The artist resume can also include
specific training in your discipline or work with master teachers.
You might also include related experience – a novelist,
for example, might list editing experience with a publisher
or magazine.
The artist resume will not be reviewed by Artist Fellowship panelists.
The purpose of its inclusion is as a resource in promotion, should the
applicant be selected as a recipient or finalist.
Back to Top
Can I submit work that has been published?
Yes. But your material must be in document form, as specified
by the discipline-specific instructions. Do not send photocopies
of published work. Do not include any information that identifies
publication, to help ensure that all work, published or unpublished,
is evaluated in the same manner.
Back to Top
Can I send in 35mm slides?
No. Applicants in the visual arts disciplines are required to upload digital
images directly into the online application form. If you have read the
discipline-specific instructions but are still unsure how to prepare your
digital images, see our image preparation
tips (PDF), or contact the MCC's Artists
Department.
Back to Top
Can I send in images on CD?
No. You must upload your digital images online.
Back to Top
Can I email my images?
No. You must upload your digital images online.
Back to Top
What size should my images be?
Images must be saved in JPG format, with the longest dimension (horizontal or vertical) no more than 768 pixels, and a minimum of 72 dpi.
Back to Top
How many Artist Fellowships are awarded in my discipline?
The number of awards varies with each discipline according to
the number of applicants, the recommendations of each panel,
and available funds.
Back to Top
If I am awarded a fellowship, when can I expect
to receive the money?
You can expect payment of your award four to six weeks after
you complete and return the contract and other paperwork that
will accompany your notification letter.
Back to Top
Is the fellowship taxable?
Yes. According to IRS guidelines, the fellowship money you receive
is considered taxable income. You will not, however, receive
a W-2 or 1099 from the MCC. Keep the award letter and check
stub as a record of the award for your taxes.
Back to Top
What if I have more questions?
Please read the instructions in the Artist
Fellowships Application, then contact the MCC's Artists
Department.
Back to Top
