In 2016, Erie Arts & Culture committed to making a greater investment in the artists living and working in Erie County by establishing the annual Artist Fellowship program. The agency saw a need to provide artists with unrestricted funding that could be used to pursue artistic development and growth.
Originally, Erie Arts & Culture awarded three fellowships annually – two to emerging artists and one to an established artist. In 2020, the agency’s Grantmaking Committee reviewed the program’s eligibility requirement through the lens of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Upon further reflection, the Erie Arts & Culture Board of Trustees and Grantmaking Committee decided that it was necessary to revise program criteria and guidelines. The fellowship program includes three artist categories: Emerging, Mid-Career, and Established.
What is a Fellowship?
Erie Arts & Culture recognizes individual artistic achievement and potential through its annual Artist Fellowship program, which provides cash awards to three artists from Erie County. The Fellowship, which includes cash awards ranging between $2,000-$5,500, helps individual artists sustain or enhance their creative process and advance their career in the arts.
Update (June 28, 2021)
The deadline to apply is now extended to July 30 at 11:30 PM.
- To be eligible for the award, applicants must be 18 years old or older
- Be a current resident of Erie County, PA
- Applicants cannot be a full-time student of any kind at the time of the application deadline
- Applicants cannot be a member of Erie Arts & Culture’s board of Trustees, subcommittees, or staff, or be an immediate relative of a member of Erie Arts & Culture’s board of Trustees, subcommittees, or staff.
- Fellowships will not be awarded to interpretative artists such as dancers, actors, or musicians who solely perform the work of others
- Applicants must be the originators of the work; i.e. choreographers or playwrights
Emerging Artist Fellowship ($2,000)
An emerging artist is someone who is in the early stage of their career and has a modest independent body of work. At this stage in the artist’s career, solo exhibitions or performances of their work are often limited and recognition and opportunities occur primarily at the local level.
Mid-career Artist Fellowship ($3,500)
A mid-career artist is an artist who has created an independent body of work over a number of years. At this stage in the artist’s career, one has received a number of solo exhibitions or performances through esteemed venues, either regionally and nationally.
Established Artist Fellowship ($5,500)
An established artist is mature in their career. They have created an extensive body of independent work and may even be an influencer in their respective disciplines. At this stage in their career, an established artist has an advanced level of achievement and has sustained national and even possibly international opportunities and recognition.
- Complete and return an Artist Fellowship application on the Erie Arts & Culture website
- After applications are submitted, Erie Arts & Culture Program’s Department reviews each application to confirm they are complete and meet the application requirements
- Applications are then reviewed by an independent panel composed of subject matter experts from outside of Erie County, using an objective set of criteria
- Artist Fellowships are chosen based on the work samples submitted
- Materials are reviewed and voted on by panelists in a single panel meeting
- Panel recommendations are reviewed by the Grantmaking Committee and by Erie Arts & Culture’s Board of Trustees.
- Panelists' names are kept confidential until the awards are announced.
The 2021 applications opened on May 31, 2021. Applications must be submitted online by 11:30 pm July 30, 2021. No applications will be accepted after the deadline.
Learn more about our current Fellows:
Emerging Artist - $2,000
Corinne Justine
Creating art, specifically choreographing dance, has long been a part of Corrine Justine’s life. From a young age, music and various inspirations, like love and self motivation, have led her to create projects that she will forever hold dear. For Corrine, sharing movement signifies the realism of life and how everything is interconnected. Being an entertainer and creator has shown Corrine that others rely on art and entertainment to enrich life, connect with one another, or reflect on personal or shared experiences.
Mid-Career Artist - $3,500
Ashley Pastore
Creating artwork is a necessity for Ashley Pastore. As a printmaker and new media artist, she believes that artwork functions as an alternative language, through the representation of objects and imagery. Ashley encourages different perspectives and knows that creative thinking is essential for the development of life. She specifically enjoys the re-presentation of everyday objects, including discarded items. Ashley’s work portrays themes that can be translated through most people’s lives, bringing us together in a culture that so strongly encourages separation.
Established Artist - $5,500
Fredy Huaman Mallqui
Fredy Huaman Mallqui is a sculptor, classical woodcarver, and conservator of historical wooden objects and architectural elements. He is also a teacher of classical wood carving. As a full-time artist, Fredy seeks to achieve artistic excellence, recognition, and share his knowledge with others. Last year, Fredy worked with artist Alex Anthes, through Erie Arts & Culture’s Creating with Community neighborhood residency program. Additionally in 2020, Fredy was honored with an award in the Erie Art Museum’s annual Spring Show and commissioned for a public art sculpture by the Sisters of St. Joseph Neighborhood Network.
