$150,000 Award Available Through Tulsa Artist Fellowship: The Tulsa Artist Fellowship 2026–2028 is now open for applications, and it’s offering one of the most generous artist support programs in the country — a total of $150,000 in direct funding over three years, plus studio space, housing stipends, wellness support, and a deeply engaged artistic community in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Founded by the George Kaiser Family Foundation (GKFF), this fellowship is more than just a funding opportunity. It’s a transformational platform for artists and arts workers across all disciplines to grow their practice, make lasting community impact, and live sustainably while pursuing their craft.
$150,000 Award Available Through Tulsa Artist Fellowship
The Tulsa Artist Fellowship 2026–2028 is a rare opportunity: substantial, multi-year funding, housing support, and studio space — all anchored in a community that values bold, community-rooted creativity. Whether you’re an established artist ready to scale up or a change-maker looking to deepen your social impact, TAF offers the space and support to help you grow.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Award Value | $150,000 over 3 years + additional stipends |
| Housing Stipend | $12,000/year ($36,000 total) |
| Health & Wellness Support | $1,200/year |
| Studio Assistant Stipend | $1,200/year |
| One-Time Move-In Stipend | $1,500 |
| Free Studio Space | Private studios + shared facilities (ceramics, wood, media, etc.) |
| Extras | Childcare reimbursements, YMCA membership, community meals |
| Residency Term | January 2026 – December 2028 |
| Deadline | May 29, 2025 |
| Eligibility | U.S. Citizens, Permanent Residents, or O-1 Visa holders, 25+ years old |
| Official Website | Tulsa Artist Fellowship |
What is the Tulsa Artist Fellowship?
The Tulsa Artist Fellowship (TAF) was launched in 2015 with the aim of supporting artists not just financially, but socially and civically. Based in the heart of Tulsa’s vibrant Arts and Greenwood Districts, the fellowship encourages artists to immerse themselves in Tulsa’s rich history, engage with diverse communities, and contribute meaningfully through their practice.
This place-based, durational award gives fellows the time, space, and support to evolve their work, while anchoring them in a city that values creativity and social progress.
Backed by the George Kaiser Family Foundation
The GKFF is one of the most forward-thinking philanthropic organizations in the U.S., focused on equity, education, early childhood development, and civic enrichment. Their investment in the arts through TAF reflects a broader strategy to foster inclusion, economic mobility, and cultural vitality in Tulsa and beyond.
Who Should Apply?
TAF seeks a diverse group of artists and arts workers — not only traditional visual artists, but also dancers, musicians, writers, curators, community organizers, and creatives who see their work as a force for good.
You should apply if you:
- Have at least 5 years of experience in your creative field
- Are at least 25 years old by the application deadline
- Are a U.S. Citizen, Permanent Legal Resident, or O-1 Visa Holder
- Can commit to living and working full-time in Tulsa, OK from 2026–2028
- Have a compelling project that fosters community connection, cultural innovation, or civic dialogue
The program welcomes individuals and collaborative teams of up to three members. Past recipients have included multidisciplinary artists, Indigenous filmmakers, social practice artists, and community-centered curators.
Fellowship Benefits: A Closer Look
$150,000 Over Three Years
This unrestricted award supports both your project and your general artistic practice, freeing you from constant grant-seeking or piecing together part-time gigs.
Annual Housing Stipend – $12,000
Tulsa’s cost of living is nearly 20% lower than the national average. The housing stipend allows you to live comfortably and choose accommodations that fit your lifestyle.
Subsidized Studio Space
Each fellow receives a private, 24/7-accessible studio and access to shared facilities for ceramics, woodworking, printmaking, and media arts — a setup often reserved for full-time faculty or expensive residencies.
Community and Wellness Perks
TAF goes the extra mile with:
- Childcare reimbursement during fellowship events
- Complimentary YMCA memberships
- Cohort meals and gatherings that help forge deep personal and professional bonds
How to Apply for the $150,000 Award Available Through Tulsa Artist Fellowship?
Step 1: Prepare Your Proposal
Write a forward-looking, community-connected project proposal. Think about:
- What’s the impact of your work?
- How does it serve or engage communities in Tulsa?
- What legacy will your project leave?
Step 2: Gather Your Materials
You’ll need:
- Resume or CV (5+ years experience required)
- Work samples (images, videos, writing samples, etc.)
- Artist or mission statement
- Budget estimates (if applicable)
Step 3: Apply Online via SlideRoom
All applications must be submitted via taf.slideroom.com, the official platform. Applications open April 2, 2025 and close May 29, 2025.
Step 4: Wait for Notification
Finalists are notified in September 2025, with interviews occurring in late fall. Selected fellows move to Tulsa by January 2026.
Life in Tulsa: Why Artists Are Moving Here
Tulsa has emerged as an unexpected cultural powerhouse. Home to the Bob Dylan Center, the Woody Guthrie Center, and a deeply rooted jazz, blues, and literary history, it offers the energy of a growing arts scene without the chaos or cost of larger cities.
In addition to affordable living, Tulsa offers:
- A tight-knit creative community
- A strong culture of collaboration
- Access to museums, music festivals, and cultural institutions
- A growing reputation for socially engaged art
Former TAF fellows often cite Tulsa’s sense of possibility as a driving force behind their decision to stay even after the fellowship ends.
Examples of Past Fellows
- Sterlin Harjo, co-creator of the hit TV series Reservation Dogs, participated in the early years of the fellowship.
- Kalup Linzy, known for his video and performance art, developed major work while in Tulsa.
- Miryam Moutillet, a choreographer, used the fellowship to launch community-based dance productions that bridged cultural gaps.
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FAQs for $150,000 Award Available Through Tulsa Artist Fellowship
Can collectives apply?
Yes! Collaborative groups of up to 3 people may apply as a single fellowship candidate.
Is this only for visual artists?
No. TAF welcomes applicants from all creative fields: visual arts, performance, music, writing, curatorial practice, and more.
Is relocation mandatory?
Yes. Awardees must live and work in Tulsa for the entire three-year term.
Are there any age limits?
Applicants must be at least 25 years old. There is no upper age limit.
Are international artists eligible?
Only if they are O-1 Visa holders at the time of application. U.S. citizens and permanent residents are also eligible.
