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

July 2026 (next application round expected to open)

$12,000 per awardee; 50 fellowships awarded per cycle; funds support sabbatical-like experiences

Supports professional artists and arts administrators in Central Indiana with funding for personal, creative, or professional renewal experiences.

Next application round is anticipated for summer 2026; program runs every other year.

--- ## Description The Creative Renewal Arts Fellowship is a biennial program designed to rejuvenate and retain Indianapolis’s creative talent by providing professional artists and nonprofit arts administrators with the resources to pursue activities that foster personal and professional renewal. Established by the Indy Arts Council with support from Lilly Endowment Inc., the fellowship encourages recipients to explore new ideas, practices, and perspectives that can inform their creative work and leadership in the arts community. Fellows have used the award for travel, research, workshops, retreats, and other experiences that promote rest, inspiration, and growth. --- ## Due Dates - Next anticipated application round: July 2026 - The program typically opens every other year in the summer. *All dates are projected based on the biennial cycle; check the [program page](https://indyarts.org/grants/creative-renewal-arts-fellowship/) for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - $12,000 per fellowship - 50 fellowships are awarded each cycle - Funds may be used for any expenses related to the renewal activities (e.g., travel, housing, equipment, workshops) - Fellowship activities can take place anywhere in the world --- ## Eligibility Applicants must: - Be a professional artist or arts administrator working in music, dance, theatre, literature, media arts, or visual arts - Have lived and/or worked in one of the following Indiana counties for the past two years and continue to do so during the fellowship: Marion, Morgan, Boone, Hamilton, Hendricks, Hancock, Johnson, or Shelby - Have worked in the arts for at least five years - Have generated the majority of their income from the arts over the past two years --- ## Application Process - Applications are submitted online via the Indy Arts Council portal when the cycle opens. - The application will require a proposal outlining the planned renewal activities, professional background, and how the fellowship will impact your creative or administrative work. - Selection is made by a review panel comprised of arts professionals and community members. - Detailed guidelines and the application link will be posted on the [program website](https://indyarts.org/grants/creative-renewal-arts-fellowship/) prior to the next round. --- ## Additional Information - The fellowship is designed to function like an academic sabbatical, offering time and resources for rest, exploration, and inspiration. - Activities can be highly individualized, including travel, artistic retreats, research, learning new skills, or wellness initiatives. - The program is open to a wide range of disciplines and both artists and arts administrators. - See the [online catalog of past fellows](https://indyarts.org/creative-renewal-arts-fellowship/) for examples of funded projects. --- ## External Links - [Program Overview & Application Information (Indy Arts Council)](https://indyarts.org/grants/creative-renewal-arts-fellowship/) - [2022–2023 Fellows & Project Catalog](https://indyarts.org/creative-renewal-arts-fellowship/) - [Lilly Endowment – Funder Home](https://lillyendowment.org) - [Artist Opportunities – Indy Arts Council](https://indyarts.org/opportunities/) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Role | Email | Office Hours & Scheduling | |---------------------|---------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------| | Anna Tragesser | Program Manager | [grants@indyarts.org](mailto:grants@indyarts.org) | [Schedule a meeting](https://calendar.app.google/5sr5ddsJEQum2PWw7) | | Nikki Kirk | Director of Community Impact & Strategic Investment | [grants@indyarts.org](mailto:grants@indyarts.org) | [Office hours: Tuesdays 10 a.m.–1 p.m.](https://calendar.google.com/calendar/u/0/appointments/schedules/AcZssZ07FB8BiCldhixuPLDkqCEEHumn9itMWlPBcoV7Z38nxSjl-I6VyxU3ibLqhBW2xOq1pdnan2xA) | For general inquiries, email [grants@indyarts.org](mailto:grants@indyarts.org). ---

Creative Renewal Arts Fellowship

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