[Lilly Endowment](https://lillyendowment.org)

September 2026 (full application deadline)

$12,000 per award; 50 fellowships awarded per cycle; funds are unrestricted for renewal activities.

Supports professional artists and nonprofit arts administrators in the Indianapolis region to pursue restorative, creative, or professional renewal experiences.

Next application cycle opens summer 2026; biennial program.

--- ## Description The Creative Renewal Arts Fellowship, administered by the Indy Arts Council with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc., provides $12,000 grants to professional artists and nonprofit arts administrators in the Indianapolis area. The fellowship is designed to support personal and creative rejuvenation, enabling recipients to step away from routine obligations and pursue activities that inspire renewal—such as travel, research, workshops, retreats, or immersive experiences. The program aims to foster both individual artistic growth and broader community impact by investing in the well-being and creative vitality of local arts professionals. --- ## Due Dates - September 2026 (anticipated full application deadline) *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - Each fellowship provides $12,000 in unrestricted funds. - 50 fellowships are awarded per cycle. - Funds may be used for any expenses related to renewal activities (travel, housing, equipment, workshops, etc.). --- ## Eligibility Applicants must: - Be a professional artist or nonprofit arts administrator working in music, dance, theatre, literature, media arts, visual arts, or related disciplines. - Have lived and/or worked in one of the following Indiana counties for at least the past two years (and continue to do so during the fellowship): **Marion, Morgan, Boone, Hamilton, Hendricks, Hancock, Johnson, or Shelby**. - Have at least five years of professional experience in the arts. - Have earned the majority of their income from arts-related work in the past two years. --- ## Application Process - The next application round is expected to open in summer 2026. - Application requirements typically include: - A description of proposed renewal activities. - Resume or CV. - Work samples or portfolio (as appropriate to discipline). - References or letters of support may be requested. - Applications are submitted through the Indy Arts Council's grants portal. - For detailed application instructions and updates, visit the [program page](https://indyarts.org/grants/creative-renewal-arts-fellowship/). --- ## Additional Information - Fellowship activities can be conducted anywhere in the world. - The fellowship is intended for rest, inspiration, and energy, mirroring the concept of an academic sabbatical. - The program is highly competitive; review previous fellows' projects for inspiration ([2022–2023 catalog](https://indyarts.org/creative-renewal-arts-fellowship/)). - The next opportunity is expected in 2026, as the program is biennial. --- ## External Links - [Program Overview & Application Information (Indy Arts Council)](https://indyarts.org/grants/creative-renewal-arts-fellowship/) - [Lilly Endowment](https://lillyendowment.org) - [2022–2023 Fellows & Project Catalog](https://indyarts.org/creative-renewal-arts-fellowship/) - [Artist Opportunities (Indy Arts Council)](https://indyarts.org/opportunities/) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Role | Email | Office Hours/Links | |---------------------|--------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Anna Tragesser | Director of Community Impact & Strategic Investment | grants@indyarts.org | [Schedule a meeting](https://calendar.app.google/5sr5ddsJEQum2PWw7) | | Nikki Kirk | Director of Community Impact & Strategic Investment | grants@indyarts.org | [Office hours: Tuesdays 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. (Sign up)](https://calendar.google.com/calendar/u/0/appointments/schedules/AcZssZ07FB8BiCldhixuPLDkqCEEHumn9itMWlPBcoV7Z38nxSjl-I6VyxU3ibLqhBW2xOq1pdnan2xA) | General inquiries: [grants@indyarts.org](mailto:grants@indyarts.org) ---

Creative Renewal Arts Fellowship

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