a.i.r. fellowship program 2026–2027

Established in 1993, the A.I.R. Fellowship Program for Emerging and Underrepresented Women and Non-Binary Artistshas enabled more than 120 artists to realize their first solo exhibition in New York City with the support of the A.I.R. community. The Fellowship Program annually awards six local emerging artists with their first solo exhibition, professional development programming, curatorial support, and mentorship during a 12-month fellowship that runs September–August.

Intended to support artists in building sustainable and enriching artistic practices, the program provides participants with career-changing, lifelong resources and community in a space that encourages creative risk-taking and intergenerational dialogue. Central to the program are a series of professional development workshops on subjects such as grant writing and exhibition design, close collaboration with an A.I.R. artist mentor, and scheduled studio visits throughout the year, including one with a selection panelist.

Since 2009, A.I.R. has named one yearly A.I.R. Fellowship seat in memory of the artist, activist, writer, and feminist Emma Bee Bernstein (1985–2008). In recognition of Emma’s significant contributions as a young artist, the youngest A.I.R. Fellowship recipient receives the honor of holding the Emma Bee Bernstein Fellowship seat. Since 2024, A.I.R. has annually named one Louise H. McCagg Fellow in honor of artist, philanthropist, feminist, and mother Louise H. McCagg (1936–2020).

The A.I.R. Fellowship Program is made possible by public funds from the New Yo