Applications Open for Artist Innovation Program

2024 Artist Innovation Fellows (Premier Photo)

(Press Release) November 25, 2025 (LAKE WORTH BEACH, Fla.) — The Cultural Council for Palm Beach County is now accepting applications for the fourth cycle of its Artist Innovation Fellowship—inviting Palm Beach County creative professionals in any discipline to submit their ideas for creative growth and exploration for consideration.

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The Artist Innovation Fellowship is distinct among professional development opportunities. It focuses on personal creative growth and the belief that an entire community will benefit through investments in creative individuals. The Fellowship program not only supports the careers of Palm Beach County artists across all disciplines but also uniquely promotes them as cultural ambassadors, amplifying the county’s profile locally, nationally, and internationally.

Each Fellow will receive $10,000 to pursue innovation in existing avenues of creative expression or through new ideas and projects in 2026, without the constraints of specific project outcomes. Funds can be used for supplies, research, travel, or other experiences that support the creative process. In this fourth round, the program will emphasize cultural ambassadorship—educating each Fellow about the important role artists play as representatives of their own disciplines and within Palm Beach County’s dynamic cultural sector.

“A vibrant cultural sector is essential to our community’s economic health and overall well-being, and professional artists are a core driver of these outcomes,” said Dave Lawrence, Cultural Council president & CEO. “The Fellowship is open to artists across disciplines. Actors, dancers, visual artists, musicians, poets, and other creative professionals are highly encouraged to apply. We cannot wait to see what the 2026 Fellows create as they embark on new projects or continue working on something they’re passionate about.”

The Cultural Council will showcase the cohort’s work in a customized, special edition catalog next year to commemorate the Fellowship and showcase each artist’s creative process and experiences gained through the Fellowship. Each Fellow will also have an opportunity to become a mentor to a recipient of the Council’s Emerging Artist Prize, and will be recognized and celebrated in the Council’s exhibitions and special events throughout the year. 

Since the Artist Innovation Fellowship program’s inception in 2020, three rounds of grants have been awarded to 21 Fellows. To date, the Cultural Council has invested $257,500 into the Artist Innovation Fellowship program.

There are 10 Fellowships available for the 2026 cohort, and applications are due by December 12, 2025. A panel of regional creative professionals representing various disciplines will review all applications and identify the 2026 Fellows.

The Council will host a free workshop and panel discussion featuring former Artist Innovation Fellows on Tuesday, December 2 at 6 p.m. at Mounts Botanical Garden in West Palm Beach. The workshop will include important information about the program, online grant system, grant-writing tips, and how to submit impactful supporting materials. Past Fellows will also be in attendance to provide insights about the program. Creative professionals can RSVP by emailing [email protected].

To learn more or to apply for the Fellowship, visit palmbeachculture.com/artist-grants.