MacColl Johnson Fellowships
Rhode Island Foundation
The Robert and Margaret MacColl Johnson Fellowship Fund, established at the Rhode Island Foundation in 2003, provides a $25,000 award to three artists annually. The fellowship is designed to give artists plenty of time to focus on their creative process while also allowing them to grow as individuals.
The fellowship rotates among composers, writers, or visual artists in a three-year cycle. The fellowship is named after Robert and Margareth MacColl Johnson, who spent their lives immersed in the arts.
Applicants must be residents of Rhode Island and show that they are in the early or middle stages of their artistic careers. “The fellowships are considered among the largest no-strings-attached awards available to writers in the country,” says Chris Barnett, spokesman for the fellowship.
Scholarship Summary
The Robert and Margaret MacColl Johnson Fellowship Fund, established at the Rhode Island Foundation in 2003, provides a $25,000 award to three artists annually. The fellowship is designed to give artists plenty of time to focus on their creative process while also allowing them to grow as individuals.
The fellowship rotates among composers, writers, or visual artists in a three-year cycle. The fellowship is named after Robert and Margareth MacColl Johnson, who spent their lives immersed in the arts.
Applicants must be residents of Rhode Island and show that they are in the early or middle stages of their artistic careers. “The fellowships are considered among the largest no-strings-attached awards available to writers in the country,” says Chris Barnett, spokesman for the fellowship.
Eligibility Requirements
- Eligible Grade: All
- Maximum Age: Any
- Required GPA: Any
- Geographic Eligibility: Rhode Island
- Gender: Any
- Race/Ethnicity: Any
Key Information of MacColl Johnson Fellowships
Study Details
Area of Study
- Arts
- Music
- Visual Arts
- Writing
Country of Study
United States
Specific Schools
Any
Application Requirements
Here’s what you need to submit besides your application.
- Present Work Experiences
- Portfolio
MacColl Johnson Fellowships Timeline
June
Application Open Date
The application for the scholarship is open to all interested prospects in June.
August
Submission Deadline
The final submission deadline is on August 19.
How to ace the MacColl Johnson Fellowships
Submit an artistic piece
All writers, composers, and visual artists applying for the fellowship must submit a piece of their work for consideration. This, along with a portfolio, improves your chances of being chosen.
Study an arts-related field
All applicants must pursue an art-related degree to be considered for the scholarship. Visual and Performing Arts, Crafts/Craft Design, Folk Art and Artisanry, Dance, Design, and Applied Arts are all examples of this.
Seek help
A great way to learn what makes an excellent application is to seek help from previous awardees. This $25,000 is very competitive and getting all the help you can get makes you at the top of the list as a worthy candidate.
Review your application thoroughly
Endeavor to review your application thoroughly to make sure you stand out among other applicants. Grammatical errors and spelling mistakes greatly mar your chances of securing the scholarship.
How the MacColl Johnson Fellowships is Judged
The fellowships will be awarded to Rhode Island artists whose work demonstrates creativity, dedication, and consistency in artistic practice towards their craft. This applies to all three categories—writers, composers, and visual artists.
Why We Love the MacColl Johnson Fellowships
The fellowship has no age requirement
Although high school students are not eligible to apply for this fellowship, there is no minimum age requirement.
The fellowship doesn't need academic qualification
This fellowship does not require a minimum grade point.
No conditions apply
This is one of the few awards given to artists with no formal work experience.
5 Facts About the MacColl Johnson Fellowship
Applicants must submit a residency proof
All applicants, if recommended for the fellowship, are expected to submit proof of residency with their applications.
Applicants must be based in Rhode Island
Even as this is an eligibility requirement, applicants must be based in Rhode Island during the time of application.
All submissions are done for a community
All the applications are made to the Alliance of Artists Communities, which is the evaluation body.
The scholarship use is not limited
The scholarship fund can be used to pay for tuition, housing, and even international travel.
There is no school requirement
The fellowship is not restricted to one institution. Only the artist's commitment to the craft must be demonstrated during the application process.
