2026 Aminah Robinson Artist Residency (National. No local applicants) - Greater Columbus Arts Council

Overview

The Greater Columbus Arts Council (GCAC), in partnership with the Columbus Museum of Art (CMA), offers a 90-day artist residency for a U.S.-based professional African American visual artist. The residency provides time and space to develop new work or work in progress and connect to resources related to the work of MacArthur Fellow Aminah Robinson.

Eligibility

• Identify as African American
• Be a permanent resident of the United States
• Be age 18 and older
• Have a portfolio, body of work, published works, or performance history
• Be paid for performances, sell artwork, or be otherwise compensated for artistic creation
• Routinely dedicate time to creating art and regularly share work publicly
• Produce work in visual arts media: painting, 3D and 2D, photography, wood carving, sculpture, or fiber (found objects, natural and synthetic materials); video, film, and digital installations are not eligible
• Produce works deeply rooted in storytelling, cultural traditions and heritage, with centrality of African American women
• Not be enrolled as a degree-seeking undergraduate student
• Not be a resident of Franklin County

Key Dates

• Application Opens: March 2, 2026
• Application Due: March 31, 2026 by 5 p.m. EST
• Applicants Notified: May 8, 2026
• Residency Begins: September 1, 2026
• Residency Ends: November 30, 2026
• Final Report Due: December 30, 2026

Award & Residency Details

The residency includes a $15,000 unrestricted award. Lodging and studio access in Aminah Robinson's home and studio are provided as part of the residency.

Application Requirements

• Artistic bio or resume (PDF only)
• 3–5 work samples, including title, size, date, and medium
• Link to website, if applicable
• Answer five application questions: Why are you interested in the Aminah Robinson Artist Residency? Why should you be selected? How does your work align with Aminah Robinson's principles or style? What would you hope to discover, share, or produce? Describe the project you plan to work on or begin.

Residency Expectations

The awardee should actively create artwork during the 90 days and will have the opportunity for a public presentation and/or community outreach activity coordinated with Columbus Museum of Art staff. It is preferred that the artist bring their own car to Columbus, if possible.

Jury Review & Selection

Applications are reviewed by a jury including representatives from communities where Aminah lived, the Columbus Museum of Art, GCAC, and esteemed artists, art historians, or curators from across the country. The jury evaluates artistic excellence, technical proficiency, innovative use of medium, storytelling, connection to cultural traditions and heritage, and alignment with Aminah Robinson's aesthetic and spirit.

Publicity & Acknowledgement

All funded artists must publicly acknowledge the award and funding sources to demonstrate the public value of the arts.