This annual award recognizes the outstanding work of Idaho artists and writers. Fellowships reward the pursuit of artistic excellence, promote public awareness of the arts, and help advance the recipient’s career. Eligible disciplines rotate on a two-year cycle.

2023

Performing and Media Arts – The Performing and Media Arts Fellowship recognizes outstanding achievements in film, dance, theater, music, technologically-based media, or other performative or time-based disciplines.

Literature – The Literature Fellowship recognizes artistic excellence in the areas of fiction, creative non-fiction, poetry, screen writing, play writing, or other literary uses of the written word.

2024

Visual Arts – The Visual Arts Fellowship recognizes Idaho artists whose work demonstrates a commitment to sustained exploration of their art form and engagement with contemporary practices. This category encompasses disciplines such as painting, sculpture, photography, ceramics, or other art forms that are primarily visual.

Folk & Traditional Arts – The Folk and Traditional Arts Fellowship recognizes the exemplary quality of Idaho’s tradition bearers. Their body of work and lifetime of commitment to their community’s creative expressions contribute to our state’s cultural heritage. The Folk and Traditional Arts Fellowship honors individual practitioners who have dedicated their lives to the perpetuation of their customs and, in doing so, promotes public awareness of our state’s diverse and time-honored communities.

Eligiblity and Restrictions

  • Applicant must be a practicing artist or writer
  • Applicant must be at least 18 years old
  • Applicant must be a United States citizen, legal resident, or refugee, and be an Idaho resident for at least one year prior to the application deadline
  • Final reports for past Commission grants and awards must be submitted and approved
  • Individuals who currently are enrolled in a degree or certificate-granting program are not eligible
  • Fellowship recipients must wait four years before reapplying
  • Artists may receive a maximum of three Fellowship awards
  • Although two categories are available each year, artists may only apply in one. Contact the Commission if you need help selecting an appropriate category.