Lydia McCain Fund Artist Fellowships
The Lydia McCain Fund Artist Fellowships provide unrestricted annual awards to Erie County artists in rotating disciplines, recognizing artistic merit and supporting creative and professional growth.
Funder: Erie Arts and Culture
Due Dates: July 1, 2026 (applications open) | August 31, 2026 (applications close)
Funding Amounts: $2,000 (Emerging) | $3,500 (Mid-career) | $5,500 (Established); three awards annually; unrestricted funds
Summary: Annual fellowships providing unrestricted cash awards to Erie County artists at all career stages to support creative practice and career advancement.
Key Information: Rotates disciplines: Visual/Media Arts in even years, Performing/Literary Arts in odd years.
Description
The Lydia McCain Fund Artist Fellowships, established by Erie Arts and Culture in 2016, provide annual, unrestricted cash awards to three individual artists residing in Erie County, Pennsylvania. The fellowships recognize artistic achievement and potential at three career stages—Emerging, Mid-Career, and Established. Each year, the program alternates supported disciplines: Visual and Media Artists are eligible in even years (such as 2026), while Performing and Literary Artists are eligible in odd years.
Fellowship recipients are selected based on the merit of their portfolio, with applications reviewed by an independent panel using objective criteria. The awards are unrestricted, allowing artists to use the funds for any purpose that advances their creative practice, including professional development, equipment, or living expenses.
