Organizer Information
The Museum of Contemporary Art of Georgia (MOCA GA) is a leading contemporary art institution based in Atlanta, United States, dedicated to collecting, preserving, and promoting contemporary visual art from the state of Georgia. Through exhibitions, publications, and educational programming, MOCA GA plays a central role in supporting artists and fostering public engagement with contemporary practices.
The Working Artist Project (WAP) is one of the museum’s flagship initiatives, established to support established visual artists in the Atlanta metropolitan region. The program is funded through partnerships with organizations such as the Charles Loridans Foundation, the Antinori Foundation, and the Molly Blank Fund, reflecting a strong commitment to sustaining artistic excellence and professional development.
For the 2026–2027 cycle, the program is curated by Evan Garza, Curator of Contemporary Art at MASS MoCA, bringing a high level of curatorial expertise and international perspective to the selection process.
Title & Description
Working Artist Project (WAP) Fellowship 2026–2027 – MOCA GA, Atlanta
The Working Artist Project (WAP) is a prestigious year-long fellowship program designed to support established visual artists based in the Atlanta metropolitan area. Organized by MOCA GA, the program selects three outstanding artists annually to receive financial support, institutional recognition, and a major solo exhibition opportunity.
This fellowship focuses on enabling artists to develop and produce a new body of work over the course of one year. Selected fellows will engage deeply with their practice while benefiting from professional exposure, curatorial guidance, and public programming.
Each participating artist will present a solo exhibition at MOCA GA’s new facility in West Midtown, accompanied by a full-color publication documenting their work. The program also fosters community engagement through mentorship, requiring fellows to work with a studio apprentice and contribute to educational initiatives.
WAP is highly competitive and specifically tailored to artists who have already demonstrated a sustained professional trajectory and are ready to expand their practice within an institutional framework.
Categories
- Visual Arts
- Painting
- Sculpture
- Installation
- Photography
- New Media
- Mixed Media
Eligibility
- Must be based in the Atlanta metropolitan area (USA)
- Must live and maintain a studio in eligible counties (e.g., Fulton, DeKalb, Cobb, Gwinnett, etc.)
- Must remain Atlanta-based throughout the fellowship period
- Minimum 5 years of professional exhibition history
- Must have completed at least one major solo exhibition (non-academic)
- Demonstrated recognition through publications or critical reviews
- Must be available for in-person studio visits (July 29–31, 2026)
- Individual artists only (no collectives or teams)
- Cannot have another solo exhibition in Atlanta during the fellowship period
Program Benefits & Awards
- $15,000 stipend to support artistic production
- A solo exhibition at MOCA GA
- A full-color exhibition catalogue
- Professional curatorial support
- Promotion and visibility through MOCA GA platforms
- A studio apprentice (supporting emerging artists while assisting fellows)
- Opportunities to participate in public and educational programming
This fellowship combines financial support with institutional recognition, making it one of the most significant opportunities for mid-career artists in the region.
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
- PDF document including:
- One-page artist statement (project proposal)
- Checklist of 9 recent works (last 2 years)
- Resume/exhibition history (minimum 5 years)
- List of upcoming exhibition commitments (2026–2027)
- Three samples of publications or reviews
- Portfolio:
- Up to 9 images/videos (JPEG or video links)
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 7 June 2026
- Semifinalists Notification: 17 July 2026
- Studio Visits: July 29–31, 2026
- Final Selection Announcement: 31 July 2026
- Fellowship Period: August 2026 – End of exhibition in 2027
Location
Atlanta, Georgia, United States
Additional Details
- Fellows must produce new work specifically for the exhibition
- One artwork must be donated to MOCA GA’s permanent collection
- Participation in mentorship and public programming is required
- Exhibitions will take place at MOCA GA’s new West Midtown facility
- This is a career-defining opportunity aimed at established artists ready for institutional engagement