***The 2023 Fellowship Application window is now closed. Check back for announcement of selected fellows Fall 2022***
Since 1999, the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art has recognized and celebrated Native American and First Nations artists in the field of contemporary Native art through its introduction of the Eiteljorg Contemporary Art Fellowship. The Eiteljorg Museum has played a unique and critical role in increasing national and international awareness and appreciation for contemporary Native art.
Due to the generous support of the Lilly Endowment Inc., beginning in 2023, the unrestricted cash award amount has been increased from $25,000 to $50,000 U.S. dollars. Eiteljorg Fellows are multi-disciplinary in nature, encompassing various mediums: drawing, painting, printmaking, photography, sculpture, mixed media, performance, digital art, video, and installation.
One of the five artists is invited to be part of the Fellowship based on their established exhibition history, extensive body of work, and distinguished contribution to the field. An independent jury selects four artists, however, the Eiteljorg curatorial staff, Selectors, and Fellowship Advisory Committee collaborate to determine the Invited Fellow.
In cooperation with the Eiteljorg, the selected Fellows agree to:
- Provide requested materials such as images, resume / CV, bio, and additional information in a timely manner.
- Work with the registrar to arrange the shipment of their work to/from the Eiteljorg.
- Ensure the museum has appropriate contact information for communications.
- Make themselves available to travel to Indianapolis for all Fellowship opening activities.
- Grant permission for the museum to use images of their work for promotional or educational publications.
- 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 2023 Fellowship the museum will:
- Provide the artist with a $50,000.00 unrestricted award.
- Purchase work from the artist for the museum’s permanent collection.
- Feature the artist’s work in a group exhibition at the Eiteljorg 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 Fellows’ work through local, national and international media.
- Honor the artists at a special opening event.
- Cover the expense of artist travel and accommodations booked through the museum’s travel agent.
***The 2023 Fellowship Application window is now closed. Check back for announcement of selected fellows Fall 2022***
For specific questions regarding the application and selection process, please contact:
Dorene Red Cloud, Associate Curator of Native American Art, dredcloud@eiteljorg.com or 317-275-1352.
Elias Garza Garcia, Curatorial Assistant, egarcia@eiteljorg.com or 317-275-1361