Thank you for your interest in the 2027 Eiteljorg Contemporary Art Fellowship
Deadline May 15, 2026
Since 1999, the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indian and Western Art has recognized and celebrated the field of contemporary Native art through its introduction of the Eiteljorg Contemporary Art Fellowship. The Eiteljorg and the Fellowship have played a unique and critical role in increasing national and international awareness and appreciation for contemporary Native Art.
Through generous support of the Lilly Endowment Inc., the museum awards the five Fellows an unrestricted sum of $50,000 U.S. dollars. These selected artists are multi-disciplinary in nature, encompassing various mediums: drawing, painting, printmaking, photography, sculpture, mixed media, installation, performance, digital art, and video.
An independent jury selects the four Fellows. The fifth artist is invited to be part of the Fellowship based on their established exhibition history, extensive body of work, and distinguished contribution to the field. The Curator of Native American Art consults with the Selectors and Fellowship Advisory Committee to determine who the Invited Fellow will be. In cooperation with the Eiteljorg, the selected Fellows agree to:
- Ensure the museum has appropriate contact information for communications.
- Provide requested materials such as images, resume or CV, bio, and additional information within two business days.
- Provide purchase pricing on application that will remain the purchase price if selected as a Fellow.
- Grant permission for the museum to use images of their work for promotional or educational publications.
- Work with the registrar to arrange the shipment of their work to/from the Eiteljorg.
- Make themselves available to travel to Indianapolis for all Fellowship opening activities.
- Agree to a filmed interview for promotional and educational purposes.
- Participate in onsite tours and/or virtual presentations.
The Eiteljorg Contemporary Art Fellowship is a partnership between the museum and the artists. For the 2027 Fellowship the museum will:
- Provide the artist with a $50,000.00 unrestricted award
- Purchase work from the artist to add to the museum’s accessioned collection.
- Feature the artist’s work in a group exhibition at the museum.
- Publish a catalog featuring the five artists and their work.
- Arrange and pay for shipping the artist’s work to and from the museum.
- Promote and advertise the Fellowship and the artists’ work through local, national and international media.
- Honor the artists at a special opening event
- Cover the expense of artists’ travel and accommodations booked through the museum’s travel agent.
For specific questions regarding the application and selection process, please contact:
Dorene Red Cloud (Oglala Lakota), Curator of Native American Art, dredcloud@eiteljorg.com or 317-275-1352.