Individual Artist Fellowships Available From The Tennessee Arts Commission

Nashville, TN (2011-11-15) State Senator Ken Yager (R-Harriman) and Representative Kelly Keisling (R- Byrdstown) today urged local artists to apply for Individual Artist Fellowships which are available from the Tennessee Arts Commission for Fiscal Year 2013 (July 1, 2012 – June 30, 2013). Yager said the deadline for the application is Monday, January 23, 2012 at 4:30 p.m. (CST).

The award is designed to recognize professional artists – individuals who either by education, experience, or natural talent engage in a particular arts form or discipline.

“We have so many talented artists in our State Senate district,” said Senator Yager. “I just wanted to make sure that they realize that this opportunity is available and encourage them to apply.”

"Tennessee has a long history of producing some amazing artists," said Representative Keisling. "I hope every artist in our community applies for these fellowships so they can receive the recognition they deserve."

According to the Arts Commission, the award provides fellowships to outstanding professional artists who live and work in Tennessee. No matching funds are required and no specific project has to be carried out with the funds. The Commission anticipates that each fellowship will be $5,000. In the coming year, the Commission may award up to two fellowships in each of the discipline categories. Categories for the fellowships include: Craft; Dance (solo performance and choreography); Design (graphic design); Literary Arts (fiction, creative nonfiction and poetry); Media (film, video, and photography); Music (solo instrumental performance); Theater (acting and directing); and Visual Arts (three-dimensional).

Fellowship applicants must be at least 18 years of age and be legal residents of Tennessee at the time of application with a permanent Tennessee mailing address. Individuals may apply in only one fellowship category each fiscal year. Those artists who have received full or partial fellowships in the past may not reapply for a fellowship.

Guidelines, application forms, and other information on the Individual Artist Fellowship is available on the Commission’s website: www.tn.gov/arts.