#fellowshp

If you are walking into the labyrinth of artists and creative fellowship applications, you are in for quite a journey, one that could be difficult, delightful and daunting. 

So bring along a guide and possibly a co-pilot, and read the instructions and rules carefully.

In Detroit, dozens of artists and writers are hurrying to finish their Kresge Artists Fellowships application by or before the Jan. 17 deadline. They are lured by the opportunities for professional development, to be in the spotlight -- and the $25,000 no-strings-attached stipend.  

More than 500 visual artists will apply and between 200 and 300 literary / writing creatives. Kresge Arts judges choose nine winners in each of the two categories.

Applying is time consuming and yet the process may reveal some things about your goals or yourself, said Christina deRoos, Kresge Arts in Detroit director, at an information session. After you’ve finished the application, she said, “make a commitment to yourself - that’s a little bit of a stretch.”

Here’s other advice that may be useful for applying to Kresge and other artist fellowships this year:

The work really matters.  Your work samples, up to eight pieces, are crucial because in the first round of Kresge Arts evaluation, panelists may look only at the samples and descriptions. (Some may choose to go deeper but that doesn’t seem like it will be the norm.) “Use description fields really well,” said Christina deRoos. Give context and “make the connections” in those descriptions, added Nicole Peterson, Kresge Arts operations manager.

Choose work carefully.  If your work spans decades, share “your pivotal work” and be sure that plenty of pieces current, from recent years, said Peterson.  Kresge will accept work in progress, but it needs to be presented cleanly and be sure to include competed work as part of the samples too. It’s up to the creative applicants to submit either a cohesive body of work or to select a wide and eclectic range of pieces.  In some cases, it may make sense to create a “composite image” showing the entire work with an inset detail shot. 

Know your why and show your passion.  With your work and the details on your artist resume, know the reason you’re sharing a detail. Think about the readers and judges and ask yourself: “What do you really want them to take away?” said deRoos at a Kresge Arts question and answer session.  Ask  “Why is it important? Why is it relevant?”  And definitely include the fun, the “passion and energy” you have for what you are doing.

Here are my two suggestions for artists and writers, based on my years as an editor and judge for a number of competitions and my work helping artists with this year’s Kresge application:

Peel the onion.   Almost every creative person has layers to their personality and work. So take time to reflect on those hidden aspects to your work, and consider who you are and who you are becoming. Create a journal or jot down notes or sketch your observations. Pull out your goals or work from three years ago to see what seems important and how you’ve changed.  Take time to understand yourself and you will reflect yourself more completely and authentically in your application. 

Find fresh eyes.  Get a second and  a third person to review the key parts of your application. One way is to work with another artist or creative and help them as they help and read your application. Choose someone you respect, someone who will read and understand the details on the application, so their advice is targeted to what the foundation or group is seeking. (I offer this service for artists and creatives occasionally, though I am full for the current Kresge Fellows. I am willing to take on new clients starting in March.) Choose people with a background in arts or culture - or whatever area your fellowship is in - or find an editor or someone who has judged the competition in the past. Then make sure you finish your application in time to make adjustments and improvements based on their feedback.  

My last bits of advice are:  Play to your strengths and edit yourself relentlessly. Cut down and clean out unnecessary items. Shorter really can be better. (And read the rules. Read the Kresge FAQs for more information and Kresge staff are willing to answer questions by email too.). Good luck!

- © Vickie Elmer, 2019