In 1980…

The Delaware Division of the Arts established the Individual Artist Fellowship grants awarded on a competitive basis for quality as demonstrated by creativity and skill in an art form. Applications are accepted in eighteen artistic disciplines in the fields of choreography, folk art, jazz, literature, media arts, music, and visual arts.

The awards—$3,000 for Emerging Artists, $6,000 for Established Professionals, and $10,000 for Masters—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. 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.