Non-matching Fellowships in fixed amounts of $7,000 are
awarded to Illinois artists of exceptional talent to enable them to pursue their
artistic goals. Artists Fellowships are given to creative individuals in recognition
of their outstanding work and commitment within the arts. In addition, a limited
number of Finalist Awards will be given. These awards of $700 recognize and
encourage additional applicants who demonstrate considerable talent.
Recommendation for a Finalist Award has no bearing on an
applicant's opportunity to receive a Fellowship Award. Finalist Award recommendations
are made only after all Fellowship recommendations in a given category are completed.
If you do not wish to be considered for a Finalist Award, you may indicate
this on the application form.
Awards are highly competitive. In past years, approximately
10% of total applicants have been awarded Fellowship or Finalist Awards. Funding
recommendations are presented to the Illinois Arts Council, which renders all
final award decisions.
Two-Year Rotating Cycle
The Artists Fellowship Program operates on a two-year rotating
cycle. For more information on these categories, see the Categories
section.
NOTE: Applicants can apply in one category only in a given
fiscal year (FY). MULTIPLE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.
Applicants must be citizens of the United States or holders
of permanent resident alien status. Applicants must also be current residents
of Illinois and must have been residents for at least one year prior to the
application deadline.
For proof of residency, applicants must submit a copy of
one of the following at the time of application
Illinois drivers license which includes the date
issued and expiration date
state of Illinois identification card which includes
the date issued and expiration date
Illinois state income tax forms
for the most recent year
voter registration card
The following individuals are not eligible to apply:
Individuals enrolled in any degree or certificate
granting program (including high school, bachelor or master degree programs)
at the time of application or during the award period. (Ph.D. candidates need
to have completed their course work by the application deadline to be eligible)
recipients of an IAC Fellowship in FY03 or FY04
COLLABORATIVE APPLICATIONS
Collaborative applications are accepted if each collaborator
meets the requirements listed in the eligibility section above. A collaboration
is defined as up to 3 artists who can clearly demonstrate a history of ongoing
collaboration. Separate application forms must be filled out by each
collaborator and submitted together with one set of work samples. Collaborative
applications must be delivered or mailed in one package. If a collaborative
application receives an award, the award will be divided equally between collaborators.
Applications are reviewed on the criteria listed below:
the quality of the applicant's work as demonstrated
by the work samples submitted
the applicant's record of professional arts activity
and achievement as reflected by material submitted
evidence that the applicant's work reflects continued,
serious and exceptional aesthetic investigation in his/her chosen medium
Awards are made based on the quality of the work as demonstrated
by the work samples submitted. Records of Professional Arts Activities and Achievements
and statements of all final-round applicants will be available for review by
the jury, however, the quality of the work submitted will remain the
primary criterion.
You are strongly urged to submit the maximum work samples
in your discipline for a more consistent, quality presentation. Be aware that
the award decisions are heavily based on the samples submitted. Therefore, it
is of the utmost importance to submit the highest quality work samples in the
most professional manner possible.
