Mississippi Arts Commission Artist Fellowships | How to Apply
The Mississippi Arts Commission Artist Fellowships recognize and support outstanding artists across various disciplines. This prestigious grant provides up to $5,000 to professional artists living and working in Mississippi. Unlike project-based grants, this fellowship is an award of merit, designed to help artists expand their ability to create new work or deepen their artistic practice.
What is the The Mississippi Arts Commission Artist Fellowships?
The Artist Fellowship program is a highly competitive grant awarded to a select number of artists each year. The award is not tied to a specific project and does not require a cash match. Artists who are not selected may reapply the following year, and past recipients may reapply after five years.
Application Deadline
- March 1, 2025 (for the funding period July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026)
- Applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. on March 1
- The application period opens on February 1
Who Can Apply?
To be eligible, applicants must:
- Be professional artists producing work of high artistic quality
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be a permanent, full-time resident of Mississippi
- Not be a full-time student
Professional artists are those who:
- Earn at least part of their income from their artistic work
- Consider their artistic practice a career
- Maintain a high level of artistic quality and invest significant time in their discipline
Fellowship Categories
Fellowship categories alternate yearly. The FY2026 fellowship categories include:
Literary Arts
- Creative Nonfiction
- Screenwriting
- Playwriting
Multimedia & Filmmaking
- Film
- Video
- Animation
- Narrative audio documentaries
- Web series
Performing Arts
- Music Performance (Solo Vocal or Instrumental)
- Theatre (Acting)
- Storytelling Performance
- Dance Solo Performance
- Interdisciplinary Performance
Visual & Design Arts
- Painting
- Sculpture
- Works on Paper
- Photography
- Fashion Design
- Graphic Design
- Public Art (e.g., murals, sculptures)
Contemporary Craft
- Woodworking
- Metalworking
- Pottery
- Glass
- Fiber Arts
Folk Arts
- Traditional Visual Arts (e.g., basketmaking, quilting, beadwork)
- Traditional Performing Arts (e.g., blues guitar, shape-note singing, traditional dance)
Selection Process
Fellowship applications are reviewed anonymously by a panel of experts based on:
For Literary, Performing, Visual, Media, and Contemporary Craft Arts:
- Artistic Excellence (40 points) – Demonstrates skill, technique, and expertise
- Originality & Vision (40 points) – Shows unique artistic voice and creativity
- Fellowship Impact (20 points) – Describes how the award will impact artistic growth
For Folk Arts:
- Artistic Excellence (50 points) – High skill level in traditional art form
- Connection to Traditional Arts Form (30 points) – Strong ties to cultural traditions
- Fellowship Impact (20 points) – Demonstrates how the grant will support artistic development
How to Apply
Applicants must submit their applications via MAC’s E-Grant system. Paper applications are available upon request for those needing accommodations. Required materials include:
- Artist Bio – Discusses artistic background and career
- Artist Statement – Explains artistic vision and creative process
- Artistic Resumé (for literary, multimedia, film, and performing artists)
- Fellowship Impact Statement – Describes how the grant will benefit the artist
- Work Samples – High-quality samples of recent work (completed within the last five years)
Work Sample Guidelines
- Folk Arts & Performing Arts: Audio or video recordings
- Literary Arts: 15-20 pages for fiction/nonfiction; 5-10 pages for poetry
- Visual & Design Arts: Six high-resolution digital images (JPEG format, max width 1240 pixels)
- Multimedia & Filmmaking: 5-10 minute video samples
Important Dates
- March 1 – Application deadline
- April – Review panel evaluations
- June – MAC Board makes final funding decisions
- July – Applicants are notified of funding decisions
Additional Information
- Fellowship awards are considered taxable income and will be reported to the IRS.
- Recipients may also apply for an Artist Mini-Grant during the same fiscal year.
For further details and to apply, visit the Mississippi Arts Commission website.
