Metro Detroit visual and literary artists are invited to apply starting Dec. 1
DETROIT – Ten metro Detroit residents working in literary and visual arts will be selected to receive $50,000 each in no strings attached funding along with a suite of artist support opportunities. Unrestricted funding addresses the financial barriers artists face, strengthens the region’s creative economy, and affirms artists’ role in building vibrant neighborhoods. Newly revised guidelines for Kresge Artist Fellowships were released today and artists are encouraged to review them carefully.
Kresge Arts in Detroit is generously funded by The Kresge Foundation and administered by the College for Creative Studies. The Kresge Artist Fellowship application opens December 1, 2026. Full application guidelines are now available at kresgeartsindetroit.org. Eligible artists residing in Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb counties are invited to apply in the following disciplines:
LITERARY ARTS
Arts Criticism, Creative Nonfiction, Fiction, Graphic Novels, Playwriting, Poetry, Spoken Word, Zines, and Interdisciplinary Work.
VISUAL ARTS
Book Art, Ceramics, Collage, Drawing, Fiber, Glass, Installation, Metalwork, New Media, Painting, Performance Art, Photography, Printmaking, Sculpture, Video Art, and Interdisciplinary Work.
Fellowship selection criteria include: a demonstrated track record of artistic achievement and high-quality work, the potential to grow and advance in one’s career, and the potential to reflect, enhance, or impact communities within metro Detroit.
Also on offer are 10 Gilda Awards of $5,000 each. These $5,000 awards honor artist Gilda Snowden’s (1954-2014) legacy as a mentor and champion of young, emerging artists in metro Detroit. The Gilda Award recognizes early-career artists gaining momentum and demonstrating exceptional potential through creative risk-taking and boundary-pushing work.
The number of awards in each category will be proportional to the relative number of applications received. Applicants who choose to be considered will also be eligible for Gilda Awards if they do not receive a fellowship.
“For nearly two decades, The Kresge Foundation has invested in metro Detroit artists through individual awards. We have had the privilege of witnessing what becomes possible when artists have the freedom and resources to create, rest, invest, save, dream, and collaborate on their own terms. Every application offers a glimpse into the remarkable talent, vision and imagination that exists across our city’s creative community. What inspires us most is the many ways artists use their gifts to strengthen neighborhoods, spark connection and help shape Detroit’s future,” said Wendy Lewis Jackson, managing director for The Kresge Foundation’s Detroit program. “This year’s panelists will face an incredibly difficult task as always. Whether selected or not, no single award will ever define the quality of an artist’s work or fully measure their impact. We are deeply grateful for the time, care and vulnerability that goes into each application.”
Through this continued support, The Kresge Foundation affirms that artists are central to Detroit’s growth and essential partners in advancing opportunity and creating resilient, connected communities.
“These fellowships prove that resources in the hands of independent artists who live, work, and build here strengthen our communities,” said Katie McGowan, director of Kresge Arts in Detroit. “Metro Detroit is unlike any other place in the country and protecting its unique character doesn’t happen by accident. It requires sustained creative work to cultivate regional identity and inspire civic imagination. Unrestricted funding makes that type of work possible.”
AWARD-WINNING FILM PROGRAM
Kresge Arts in Detroit offers each fellow the opportunity to work with a local filmmaker to produce a short film about their work. Select films have been screened and received awards at local, national, and international film festivals in recent years. In 2021, Detroit-based production company Reel Clever was awarded a Michigan Emmy for work on the series. View past films here.
In addition to the film, fellows receive one year of artist support including networking, professional coaching, and legal and accounting consultations. “This award not only gave me financial capacity to pursue my writing more meaningfully but also the confidence to apply to other opportunities,” said 2025 Kresge Artist Fellow Beenish Ahmed.
KEY DATES
November 2, 2026: Application guidelines available
December 1, 2026: Online application opens
January 14, 2027 by 11:59 PM: Application deadline
The 2027 Kresge Artist Fellows and Gilda Award recipients will be selected by a panel of independent, local and national artists and arts professionals. Winners of the 2026 Kresge Artist Fellowship had previously applied twice, on average. A new year brings new panelists with fresh perspectives; previous applicants are strongly encouraged to re-apply.
As it approaches its 20th year, the program continues to demonstrate how investment in the arts transforms what is possible for communities: fueling creative careers and animating neighborhoods.
APPLICATION INFO SESSIONS
Kresge Arts in Detroit staff will hold an online application info session and walkthrough in December, followed by a second online Q&A session in January. These virtual sessions are not required, however, applicants are encouraged to attend for support in creating compelling applications for a Kresge Artist Fellowship. Applicants can register to attend using the links below.
Application Info Session (virtual)
December 10, 2026
5:30 – 6:30 PM
Application Q&A Session (virtual)
January 9, 2027
5:30 – 6:30 PM
Visit kresgeartsindetroit.org for the complete guidelines, FAQs, and additional resources. Please direct questions about application requirements to Kresge Arts in Detroit at [email protected] or by phone at (313) 744-3204.
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