FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM
Teaching & Research Fellowship Program at Arlene’s
The Teaching & Research Fellowship at Arlene’s a year‑long opportunity for artists, educators, and curators to grow their practice while teaching and engaging with our community. Fellows choose a pathway—Art Education/ Creative Practice or Curatorial & Cultural Research —and develop courses, projects, and public programming that strengthen both their work and the region’s arts ecosystem.
Image: Artist in Residence Aly Parrott teaching Embroidery 101 to Arlene’s Members and local artists—an example of how Fellows in our Teaching & Research Fellowship Program bring their creative expertise into the classroom while meaningfully contributing to the growth of our creative community.
Apply now through July 18th for the 2026-27
Teaching & Research Fellowship at Arlene’s
About the Program
The Teaching & Research Fellowship at Arlene’s is a year‑long professional development program for artists, educators, curators, cultural researchers, and arts writers who want to deepen their creative or scholarly practice while actively contributing to Arlene’s vibrant learning community. Rooted in intellectual exchange, hands-on teaching, and community engagement, the Fellowship supports emerging and mid‑career creatives as they build skills, expand their portfolios, and shape public programming at The Atelier at Arlene’s.
Fellows pursue one of two pathways—Art Education & Creative Practice or Curatorial & Cultural Research—each designed to strengthen the relationship between teaching and research. Whether developing new courses, conducting cultural or curatorial investigations, creating publications, or leading public programs, Fellows integrate their interests into meaningful educational experiences for regional artists and audiences.
Throughout the year, Fellows receive access to studio space, professional development opportunities, teaching support, visibility through Arlene’s platforms, and a network of artists, educators, and community partners. In return, they contribute to classes, critiques, public talks, writing projects, and community‑centered initiatives that enrich the creative ecosystem of the Capital Region. The Fellowship is ideal for individuals who are self‑directed, curious, and committed to both personal growth and community impact. Fellows who invest deeply in their research, teaching, and creative work will find the program to be a transformative step in their artistic and professional journey.
Become a Teaching & Research Fellow
Becoming a Teaching & Research Fellow at Arlene’s means joining a community of artists, educators, and cultural thinkers who believe in the power of creative inquiry and public engagement. Fellows spend a year deepening their artistic or scholarly practice while teaching, researching, writing, and contributing to the cultural life of the Capital Region. This Fellowship is designed for individuals who want to grow, experiment, and make a meaningful impact through their work.
Fellows choose one of two pathways—Art Education & Creative Practice or Curatorial & Cultural Research—each offering a structured framework for developing new skills, expanding professional portfolios, and shaping public programming at The Atelier at Arlene’s. Whether you’re refining your studio practice, designing new courses, curating exhibitions, or conducting cultural research, the Fellowship provides the support, resources, and visibility needed to take your work to the next level.
Why Become a Teaching & Research Fellow?
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Deepen Your Practice — The Fellowship gives you dedicated time, space, and structure to advance your creative, curatorial, or research interests while connecting them directly to your teaching.
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Build Your Professional Portfolio — Fellows develop courses, public programs, writing, and projects that strengthen their credentials in art education, curation, and cultural research.
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Gain Real Teaching Experience — Through hands‑on instruction, critiques, and community engagement, Fellows grow as educators and facilitators.
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Expand Your Network — Fellows join a supportive community of artists, faculty, and cultural partners, gaining access to mentorship, collaboration, and regional visibility.
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Share Your Voice — Opportunities to publish writing, host podcast episodes, and present public talks help Fellows develop confidence and presence as cultural contributors.
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Shape the Creative Community — Fellows play an active role in Arlene’s public programming, helping to cultivate a more vibrant, informed, and connected arts ecosystem.
The Fellowship is ideal for individuals who are curious, self‑directed, and eager to grow—not only as artists or researchers, but as educators, collaborators, and cultural leaders.
What We Look For
We look for Fellows who are curious, self‑directed, and deeply invested in the role that art, education, and cultural research play in strengthening community. The Teaching & Research Fellowship is designed for individuals who want to grow as thinkers, makers, teachers, and cultural contributors—and who are ready to bring that energy into Arlene’s creative ecosystem.
Strong candidates demonstrate:
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Commitment to Creative or Scholarly Growth — A desire to deepen their studio practice, research interests, or curatorial voice through sustained inquiry and experimentation.
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A Passion for Teaching and Sharing Knowledge — Whether through hands‑on art instruction or culturally focused programming, Fellows should be excited to help others learn, explore, and build confidence.
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Community‑Minded Engagement — An interest in contributing to Arlene’s public programming, supporting fellow artists, and participating in a collaborative learning environment.
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Professionalism and Reliability — The Fellowship is self‑directed and requires strong communication, follow‑through, and the ability to manage independent projects.
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Curiosity and Openness — Fellows should be eager to explore new ideas, approaches, and perspectives—both in their own work and in the classroom or community setting.
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Alignment with Arlene’s Mission — A belief in accessible arts education, creative experimentation, and the value of a supportive, inclusive arts community.
We welcome applicants from a wide range of backgrounds, disciplines, and lived experiences. What matters most is a genuine desire to grow—and to contribute meaningfully to the creative life of Arlene’s and the Capital Region. Interested applicants should review the Teaching & Research Fellowship Overview & Residency Requirements for the full breakdown of expectations, structure, and opportunities before applying.
How to Apply
Every spring, we accept proposals from artists interested in the Teaching & Research Fellowship Program at Arlene’s through our online application. Calls for submissions are announced through our mailing list, website, and social media channels. Applications for the 2026-27 fellowship cycle are open through Saturday, July 18, 2026, by 5 pm (EST). Applicants should review the Teaching & Research Fellowship Program Overview & Fellowship Requirements before applying.
Along with your project proposal outlining your vision, research plan, and (if applicable) community‑engaged components, applicants must submit an artist/educator statement, a short bio, and work samples that demonstrate your ability to carry out the proposed work. Before beginning your application, please select the pathway you wish to apply for and complete the corresponding application form. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
Click the button below to apply to the Fellowship pathway you wish to pursue. If you have any questions about the Fellowship Program or the application process, please contact Andrew at arlenesartist@gmail.com.