Individual Artist Fellowships

Learn about the 2026 Fellows

In 2026, the Division received work samples from 246 Delaware choreographers; composers; musicians; writers; and folk, media, and visual artists. The work samples were reviewed by out-of-state arts professionals who considered the demonstrated creativity and skill in each artist’s respective art form. Twenty-seven artists were selected for fellowships across three categories—1 Master Fellow, 14 Established Fellows, and 12 Emerging Fellows—and the Division also named 5 runners-up, each of whom will receive an honorarium. The twenty-seven selected fellows reside throughout Delaware including Georgetown, Middletown, Bear, Townsend, Newark, Magnolia, Bethany Beach, New Castle, Rehoboth Beach, Farmington, Lewes, Milford, Smyrna, and Wilmington.

The work of the Fellows will be featured in a group exhibition, Award Winners XXVI, which kicks off at the Biggs Museum of American Art and will travel statewide.

Individual Artist Fellowship Awards

The Division offers fellowships in the artistic disciplines of choreography, folk art, jazz, literature, media arts, music, and visual arts. Artists’ work samples are reviewed by nationally recognized out-of-state arts professionals, considering both demonstrated creativity and skill in the art form.

The awards allow artists to pursue advanced training, purchase equipment and materials, or fulfill other needs that will help advance their careers.

The highest honor—the Masters Fellow—is reserved for those who meet rigorous criteria. Funding dependent, typically only one Masters Fellow can be awarded each year. Disciplines rotate every three years.

During the fellowship year, recipients are required to showcase their work in a public exhibit or performance in Delaware.

For more details about the Individual Artist Fellowship program application, please visit the Grants Overview page.