2026–2027 A.I.R. FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM. Established in 1993, the A.I.R. Fellowship Program for Emerging and Underrepresented Women and Non-Binary Artists has enabled more than 120 artists to realize their first solo exhibition in New York City with the support of the A.I.R. community. The Fellowship Program annually awards six local emerging artists with their first solo exhibition, professional development programming, curatorial support, and mentorship during a 12-month fellowship that runs September–August.
Intended to support artists in building sustainable and enriching artistic practices, the program provides participants with career-changing, lifelong resources and community in a space that encourages creative risk-taking and intergenerational dialogue. Central to the program are a series of professional development workshops on subjects such as grant writing and exhibition design, close collaboration with an A.I.R. artist mentor, and scheduled studio visits throughout the year, including one with a selection panelist.
Since 2009, A.I.R. has named one yearly A.I.R. Fellowship seat in memory of the artist, activist, writer, and feminist Emma Bee Bernstein (1985–2008). In recognition of Emma’s significant contributions as a young artist, the youngest A.I.R. Fellowship recipient receives the honor of holding the Emma Bee Bernstein Fellowship seat. Since 2024, A.I.R. has annually named one Louise H. McCagg Fellow in honor of artist, philanthropist, feminist, and mother Louise H. McCagg (1936–2020).
The A.I.R. Fellowship Program is made possible by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council and the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature, as well as the generous support of The Arison Arts Foundation, The Milton and Sally Avery Arts Foundation, The Bernheim Foundation, The Teiger Foundation, Materials for the Arts, and individual donors to the Emma Bee Bernstein Fellowship and Louise H. McCagg Fellowship Funds.
Eligibility
A woman or non-binary visual artist working in any media
18 years of age or older
A resident of New York City, adjoining counties, or the Hudson Valley (Putnam, Dutchess, and Ulster counties) from September 2026–August 2027
Have not had a solo exhibition at a permanent venue in NYC in the last 10 years
Not a student or enrolled in any degree-granting program at the time of the program (September 2026–August 2027)
Not participating in a comparable development, fellowship, or residency program at the time of the program (September 2026–August 2027)
Not currently a member, employee, or board member of A.I.R. Gallery, and have not previously had a solo show at A.I.R.
Not a Fellowship Program alum
4–5 Professional development workshops led by professionals in the field (Fall 2026)
A solo exhibition at A.I.R. Gallery (Spring/Summer 2027)
An artist-mentor at A.I.R. Gallery to work with throughout the program
One-on-one studio visit with one of the review panelists
Ongoing studio visits and support from A.I.R. staff
A stipend of $3,000
info session: Wednesday, October 22, 2025 at 6:30 PM ET via Zoom.
deadline: November 7, 2025 at 11:59 PM ET
more info: https://www.airgallery.org/fellowship-program-2026-2027
