Fellowship

A.I.R. Fellowship Program 2027-28 – Apply Now!

October 14, 2026

The A.I.R. Fellowship Program 2027-28 is an opportunity for emerging women and non-binary visual artists seeking professional development, mentorship, and exhibition experience in New York City.

Organized by A.I.R. Gallery, the program supports artists in developing sustainable artistic careers through professional workshops, curatorial guidance, studio visits, and the opportunity to present a solo exhibition. The official website confirms that applications are open, with a deadline of November 10, 2026.

A.I.R. Fellowship Overview

The A.I.R. Fellowship Program is an annual initiative established in 1993 by artist Stephanie Bernheim. It is designed to support emerging and underrepresented women and non-binary visual artists by providing opportunities to exhibit their work, strengthen their artistic practice, and connect with experienced professionals in the art industry.

For the 2027-2028 cycle, A.I.R. Gallery will select six artists for a 12-month fellowship running from September 2027 to August 2028. Participants will receive mentorship, professional development, curatorial support, and the opportunity to hold their first solo exhibition at A.I.R. Gallery in New York City.

Benefits of the A.I.R. Fellowship Program 2027-28

According to the official fellowship page, successful applicants will receive:

A stipend of $3,000.
A solo exhibition at A.I.R. Gallery in spring or summer 2028.
Four to five professional development workshops in fall 2027.
An artist mentor from A.I.R. Gallery.
A one-on-one studio visit with a selection panelist.
Ongoing studio visits and support from A.I.R. Gallery staff.
Opportunities to develop professional connections within the art community.
Guidance on building a sustainable artistic practice.

A.I.R. Fellowship Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

Be a woman or non-binary visual artist working in any medium.
Be at least 18 years old.
Reside in one of New York City’s five boroughs – Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, or Staten Island – for the entire fellowship period.
Have no solo exhibition at a permanent venue in New York City within the previous 10 years.
Not be enrolled in a degree-granting program during the fellowship period.
Not participate in a comparable professional development, fellowship, or residency program during the fellowship period.
Not be a current member, employee, or board member of A.I.R. Gallery.
Not have previously held a solo exhibition at A.I.R. Gallery.
Not be a former participant in the A.I.R. Fellowship Program.

International applicants may apply without being American citizens, but they must satisfy the location requirements. A.I.R. Gallery does not provide visa sponsorship. Applicants living outside New York City’s five boroughs are not eligible, even if they live in the wider metropolitan area.

How to Apply for the A.I.R. Fellowship Program 2027-28

Applicants should follow these steps:

Visit the official website: Open the 2027–2028 A.I.R. Fellowship Program page and read the application guidelines carefully.
Review the eligibility requirements: Confirm that you meet the age, residency, exhibition history, and other program requirements.
Prepare your application materials: Include examples of your strongest and most representative artwork from the past three years, along with the required artist statement, CV, and other materials requested in the application.
Follow the anonymous review rules: Do not include your name in submitted materials, image contents, filenames, artist statement, CV, or other application files. The official page warns that violating this rule can result in disqualification.
Submit your application: Use the official A.I.R. Fellowship application portal and complete the submission before the deadline.
Attend the information session if possible: A free online information session is scheduled for October 29, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. Eastern Time. Attendance is optional.
Wait for the selection results: Applicants are expected to receive notification in April 2027.

Deadline for the A.I.R. Fellowship Program 2027-28

The official application page confirms the following dates:

Application deadline: November 10, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time.
Information session: October 29, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. Eastern Time.
Selection notification: April 2027.
Fellowship period: September 2027-August 2028.

Applications should be submitted before the deadline, and applicants should also ensure that all files comply with the anonymous review requirements.

Official Website

For the latest application instructions, eligibility criteria, benefits, and deadline, visit the official website:

Fellowship page: A.I.R. Fellowship Program 2027–2028
Application portal: A.I.R. Gallery on Submittable

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the A.I.R. Fellowship Program 2027-28 fully funded?

The official page lists a $3,000 stipend and several professional development and exhibition benefits. However, it does not state that the program covers all living expenses, travel, accommodation, or other costs. It is therefore more accurate to describe it as a fellowship with a stipend rather than a fully funded scholarship.

Can international artists apply?

Yes, American citizenship is not required. However, applicants must meet the New York City residency requirements, and the gallery does not provide visa sponsorship.

Can university students apply?

Applicants may apply while studying if they will have completed their degree program before the fellowship begins. They must not be enrolled in a degree-granting program during the fellowship period.

How many artists will be selected?

Six emerging artists will be selected for the 2027-2028 fellowship cycle.

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