The fellowship program at Ox-Bow welcomes applications from senior-level BFA students, MFA students, and artists with equivalent experience. Equivalent experience refers to artists who have reached a similar stage of artistic development outside of a traditional degree program. This may include independent artists, lifelong learners, self taught artists, those who have studied through workshops and apprenticeships, or those who have built a sustained studio practice through other means.

Ox-Bow recognized that many artists are also caregivers and encouraged those who are to apply. As part of our commitment to radical hospitality, we welcome conversations about how Ox-Bow can support caregiver artists and their families, and we work to expand that capacity over time.

The Summer Fellowship is a fully funded opportunity. Fellows receive room and board, a private room and studio, and a stipend.

In 2027 applications are due on January 3.

To stay up to date on application deadlines consider signing up for our e-newsletter at ox-bow.org/sign-up or follow us on social media @oxbowschoolofart

The fields of study are described here [link]. Some roles–particularly Ceramics, Glass, and Photo & Communications–require previous experience. If you’re interested in one of these areas be sure to rank it highly and include relevant examples in your portfolio and describe related experience on your CV or in your cover letter. Other roles do not require prior experience and include on-site training.

Fellows may sign up for a studio visit with a visiting artist each week throughout the summer, with at least nine visits over the course of the fellowship. In addition, the cohort gathers for monthly group critiques and studio visits with Ox-Bow leadership, creating regular opportunities to receive feedback, share work, and build relationships with fellow artists.

In the Summer of 2027, Ox-Bow will introduce an Professional Practices Intensive to the fellowship program. The cohort of fellows will participate in a week-long, on-campus intensive designed to help Fellows prepare for the next stage of their artistic careers. Throughout the week, Fellows meet with critics, curators, gallerists, art administrators, entrepreneurs, and other arts professionals through studio visits, portfolio reviews, workshops, lectures, and informal conversations. Topics may include graduate school, grant writing, residencies, exhibitions, teaching fundraising, entrepreneurship, and building a sustainable creative practice. 

Yes, after successfully completing one Fellowship summer, alumni may reapply for a second summer. Alumni are eligible to reapply up to two years following their first Fellowship. 

Yes, each Fellow will have a group exhibition opportunity in the on-campus gallery, The Betsy.

The fellowship cohort has had the opportunity to exhibit work at Ox-Bow House (Ox-Bow’s public gallery and retail space in downtown Douglas, Michigan). To expand opportunities for the fellowship cohort, Ox-Bow is looking to provide group exhibition opportunities to fellowship alumni in regional major cities, Chicago and Detroit. 

Fellowship cohorts will be notified about exhibition location and logistical details at a later date. Inclusion in fellowship exhibition opportunities are open to all fellows.

Emerging Fellows are paired with more established artists in the cohort based on the applications, shared interest, and artistic practices. Mentorship guidelines are provided at the start of the summer, encouraging check-ins, studio visits, and conversations about artistic practice, professional development, and life at Ox-Bow. The relationship is intended to be collaborative and supportive–not supervisory or evaluative. If concerns arise related to wellbeing, attendance or conduct, Fellows should speak with their supervisor or another Ox-Bow staff.

The cohort participates in a collaborative campus-based project that contributes to the care and improvement of Ox-Bow’s campus. The project changes each summer based on campus needs and is announced during the summer.

Fellows contribute 20 hours of work per week to support the day-to-day operations of Ox-Bow while gaining practical experience in an artist-run-community. Roles span a wide range of campus departments, including classroom studio upkeep, archives, communications, campus operations, retail, and administration. Applicants can rank their preferred roles and describe any relevant experience in their application materials (also see, ‘What Fields of Study are available, and do I need experience in a specific area?’ for additional information). Finalists are matched to their work component through the applicant’s expressed interests, experience, portfolio, and professional goals.

Throughout the summer, Fellows also have opportunities to serve as teaching assistants in core classes and participate in campus beautification projects. During weeks in which a Fellow is teaching or participating in beautification projects, their work hours are reduced to 10 hours per week to accommodate those responsibilities.