Organizer Information:

The Luminarts Cultural Foundation supports exemplary visual artists through its annual fellowship program. Based in Chicago, the foundation offers significant financial awards and long-term professional development to help artists launch and sustain their careers.

Title & Description:

Applications are open for the 2026 Luminarts Visual Arts Fellowship.

The fellowship awards excellence in visual arts (drawing, painting, photography, printmaking, mixed media, sculpture, and video).

Winners receive a $10,000 Fellowship and become eligible for additional project funding and professional development opportunities for 10 years.

The selection process involves an initial review, after which finalists are invited to install their work for a juried exhibition in Chicago. Finalists must be present for the exhibition and award announcement to be eligible.

Category:

Visual Arts (Drawing, Painting, Photography, Printmaking, Mixed Media, Sculpture, Video installations).

Note: Short films are not accepted; video must be part of an installation.

Eligibility:

  • Age: Applicants must be between the ages of 18 and 30 on the day of submission.

  • Residency: Must live or reside within 150 miles of the Chicago Loop.

  • Status: Must be legally able to receive taxable income in the U.S.

  • Attendance: Finalists must be available for installation (March 22), the exhibition (March 26), and de-installation (March 26/27) in Chicago.

Program Benefits & Awards:

  • Fellowship: $10,000 per artist (for winners).

  • Finalist Award: $300 honorable mention (for finalists not selected as Fellows).

  • Long-term Support: Access to project funding for 10 years.

  • Exhibition: Opportunity to exhibit work at the Chicago Artists Coalition.

Application Fee:

Free.

Application Requirements:

  • Images: Three (3) images of your artwork (max 1 MB each).

  • Artist Statement: 250–500 words outlining career objectives and how the fellowship would impact the Chicago region.

  • CV/Resume.

  • Reference: Name and contact info for one professional/educational reference.

How to Apply?

Submit your application via Submittable.

Key Dates:

  • Application Deadline: February 1, 2026 (11:59 PM CT).

  • Finalist Notification: March 9, 2026.

  • Installation: March 22, 2026.

  • Exhibition & Announcement: March 26, 2026 (6:00 – 8:00 PM CT).

Location:

Chicago, IL (Chicago Artists Coalition).

Additional Details:

Images submitted must be of artworks able to be installed in a shared gallery space within a limited period.

Contact Information:

Email: info@luminarts.org