CALL OVERVIEW

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Entry Deadline: Saturday, July 18, 2026, by 5 pm (EST)

Entry Fee: $0

 

Work Sample Requirements

Writing Samples | Minimum: 3, Maximum: 5
Images | Minimum: 5, Maximum: 10
Audio | Minimum: 0, Maximum: 3
Video | Minimum: 0, Maximum: 3

Total Samples | Minimum: 8, Maximum: 21

 

Call for Artists

Teaching & Research Fellowship Program at Arlene’s, 2026-27 cycle

Pathway Two— Curatorial & Cultural Research

 

Call Description

The Teaching & Research Fellowship Program at Arlene’s supports teaching artists, curators, and creative researchers who are passionate about education, inquiry, and community‑centered learning. Launching in 2026–27, this inaugural Fellowship invites our first cohort of Fellows to help shape a new program dedicated to strengthening the role of teaching and research within Arlene’s creative ecosystem.

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Located in the Capital Region of New York, the Fellowship provides a year‑long opportunity for artists and educators to deepen their pedagogical practice, pursue a focused research project, and contribute meaningfully to Arlene’s vibrant community of students, makers, and faculty. Fellows teach within the Atelier at Arlene’s, engage in structured research, and participate in public‑facing programs that expand access to arts education and cultural understanding. To support a wide range of teaching artists and creative scholars, the Fellowship offers two distinct pathways, each designed to honor different forms of artistic and educational expertise while maintaining shared expectations for community engagement, research, and teaching excellence.

 

Fellowship Period

The Fellowship runs annually from the start of October through the end of the following August. During this time, Fellows are expected to:

• Complete a self‑directed Creative Practice or Curatorial Research project

• Teach courses or workshops with The Atelier at Arlene’s

• Deliver a public talk, demonstration, or presentation

• Participate in student critiques

• Contribute to our Creative Juice Blog, Know How online zine, or an independent publication

• Serve as a guest host on the ARTtalk Podcast

• Engage with Arlene’s community through public programming, events, or collaborative initiatives

 

Please review the Teaching & Research Fellowship Program Overview & Fellowship Requirements for a complete understanding of the program and its expectations.

 

Provided Resources

Access & Resources

Fellows selected for the Teaching & Research Fellowship Program receive:

• Paid teaching opportunities through The Atelier at Arlene’s

• Free studio access during store hours

• Free use of designated equipment and facilities (some exceptions apply)

• Free participation in Atelier courses (materials not included)

• Monthly materials credit or discount at Arlene’s

 

Professional Development

Fellows benefit from structured support designed to strengthen both teaching and research practices, including:

• Guidance in curriculum development and research planning

• Teach workshops and classes

• Participation in student critiques with staff and faculty

• A guest‑host on the ARTtalk Podcast

• Writing and publishing opportunities through Arlene’s platforms

• A public talk, demonstration, or presentation

• Letters of recommendation upon successful completion of the Fellowship

 

Visibility & Career Support

To help Fellows expand their professional presence, Arlene’s provides:

• Inclusion in Arlene’s promotional materials

• A featured profile on Arlene’s website

• Opportunities to collaborate with staff, faculty, and community partners

 

Community & Networking

Fellows become part of Arlene’s dynamic creative community and gain:

• Access to Arlene’s network of artists, educators, and makers

• Invitations to internal events, critiques, and gatherings

• Connections with regional artists, educators, and cultural organizations

 

Housing is not provided; Fellows are responsible for securing their own accommodations.

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Application Requirements- Pathway Two— Curatorial & Cultural Research

Applicants to Pathway Two — Curatorial & Cultural Research must submit materials that demonstrate their ability to teach, research, write, and engage critically with art, culture, and the regional arts ecosystem. All materials are submitted through Arlene’s online application portal (SEE BELOW).

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General Information

• Contact information

• Website and/or social media links

• Accessibility needs

 

Professional & Teaching Materials

• Artist/Educator Bio  

  • A concise overview of your background, teaching interests, and curatorial or research experience.

• Teaching Philosophy Statement  

  • A statement describing your approach to teaching through curation, art appreciation, cultural analysis, or writing about art..

• CV or Résumé  

  • Highlighting teaching experience, curatorial projects, writing, exhibitions, publications, or relevant community work.

 

Teaching Proposal

Your proposal should outline the course(s) or workshop(s) you plan to teach during the Fellowship. Include:

• Course or Workshop Title(s)

• Detailed Course Description, including:

  • Learning goals and outcomes

  • How students will engage with exhibitions, institutions, or cultural spaces

  • Proposed assignments, discussions, or field visits

  • How the course builds cultural literacy and critical thinking

  • Materials, space, or institutional access needs

 

Teaching proposals should reflect the core values of this pathway: curiosity, cultural engagement, and community‑centered learning.

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Curatorial & Research Project Proposal

Applicants must submit a research proposal that demonstrates a clear line of inquiry connected to curatorial practice, cultural analysis, or art interpretation. Include:

• Project Title

• Detailed Project Description, including:

  • Central research questions or themes

  • Methods (site visits, interviews, writing, archival research, exhibition analysis, etc.)

  • How the project relates to the Capital Region’s arts ecosystem

  • How the research will inform your teaching

  • Anticipated outcomes (writing, exhibition plans, public programs, or other forms of scholarship)

 

Community Engagement Statement

A brief statement describing how you plan to engage with Arlene’s community through:

• Public programs

• Guided exhibition visits

• Discussions or reading groups

• Collaborative initiatives with local institutions

 

This pathway prioritizes applicants who demonstrate a commitment to cultural literacy, accessibility, and community‑centered learning.

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Writing Samples & Portfolio

Provide documentation that demonstrates your ability to complete the proposed teaching and research:

• 3- 5 writing samples (exhibition reviews, catalog essays, cultural analysis, academic writing, or published work)

• Optional visual documentation of past curatorial projects (up to 10 images with titles, dates, and brief descriptions)

• Up to 3 video or audio clips (3 minutes max each) if relevant to your teaching or research

 

This pathway prioritizes applicants who demonstrate a commitment to accessible arts education, hands‑on learning, and the integration of studio practice with teaching.

Visit Organization Website

Contact Email: arlenesartist@gmail.com
Contact Phone: (518) 482-8881

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Call Type: Fellowship

Eligibility: 21 years and older

State: New York

Finalist notified for an interview by August 1, 2026

Accepted Fellows will be chosen and notified after all interviews are completed