2026 Arist Subsidy Program Application

About the Program

The Artist Subsidy Program is designed to subsidize fabrication services for New York City–based artists facing financial barriers in realizing their projects. We recognize that these barriers often stem from systems of oppression—including racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, ableism, and economic inequality, which create significant obstacles for artists in accessing and participating in the arts. To address these challenges, we aim to prioritize low-income artists with other marginalized identities, specifically Black, Indigenous, artists of color, LGBTQIA+, disabled, and refugee artists.

What artists will receive

Subsidized labor costs for fabrication services, including materials, up to $10,000 in one of the six following shops:

• Print: Silkscreen, large-scale, and experimental printing
• MGC Community Print Studio: Interdisciplinary printmaking processes
• Digital Print Lab: UV flatbed printing and wide-format latex printing
• Ceramics Sculpture, 3D printing, mold making, slip casting, wheel throwing, and more
• The Alpha Workshops: Decorative paper and textiles
• Public Art: Design, model-making, or prototyping

Note that artists applying to work with Public Art are encouraged to apply with existing financial support. An additional matching amount of at least $10,000 is recommended to help ensure their project’s successful completion with the Public Art team. 

Additionally, artists will receive guidance and support from our team of expert fabricators, as well as opportunities for professional development and participation in other program offerings. This package also includes promotional marketing through our Instagram and newsletter.

Who we serve

We aim to prioritize low-income artists with other marginalized identities such as Black, Indigenous, artists of color, LGBTQIA+, disabled, and refugee artists. This also encompasses artists with little to no institutional support or gallery representation. We may expand this focus to include other underserved groups as we identify them. 

Eligibility:

• We will prioritize low-income artists who self-identify with marginalized identities (see above).
• Must be a New York City–based artist. 
• Cannot be enrolled in a degree-seeking program (e.g., MFA, BFA)
• Cannot be represented by a gallery nor will be between February to June of 2026. Similarly, cannot be enrolled in an artist residency program between February to June of 2026.
• Must be flexible to collaboratively modify the project based on fabricator feedback and budget limitations.
• Must finish the project by June 30th, 2026.

Applications include:

• Narrative boxes to share any factors related to financial need
• Optional narrative box to share existing financial support if applying for fabrication in the Public Art Shop
• A project proposal description
• Narrative for how the subsidy will support the project
• An expected list of materials informed by Fabrication and Budge Guide here (our fabrication teams will work with the artist to allocate funds and identify materials once accepted) Please note we will require flexibility to collaboratively modify the project based on fabricator feedback and budget limitations.  
• Five past work samples
• Five relevant images, sketches, or mockups for the proposed project
• PDF with work sample information

Deadline for the application is January 8th, 2026 and applicants will be notified early February.

Please learn more about the Artist Subsidy Program in our website here.