Vanguard Culture is proud to announce the Susan McAllister Swap Emerging Visionaries Fellowship, a new program supporting early-career artists with bold, future-facing ideas. 

This fellowship invests in artists whose work demonstrates original vision, creative risk, and the potential to shape the future of culture. It is designed to provide not only financial support, but space, community, and visibility at a pivotal moment in an artist’s career.

Fellowship Includes:
     – $750 artist stipend
     – Opportunity to serve as an Artist-in-Residence with Vanguard Culture
     – Use of our creative office space for research, planning, or development
     – Professional development support
     – Mentorship and connection to a creative peer community
     – Opportunity to be featured as part of our Creative Futures celebration on October 10, 2026

We are seeking emerging artists who:
– Are in the early stages of their professional career
– Demonstrate strong artistic voice and originality
– Are exploring new ideas, forms, or perspectives
– Take creative risks
– Are ready to grow through professional development and community support

What We’re Looking For:
– A clear and compelling artistic perspective
– Work that pushes ideas, form, or cultural conversation forward
– Commitment to artistic growth
– Curiosity, experimentation, and ambition

Eligibility:
– Must be 18+
– Identify as an emerging or early-career artist

Artists from all disciplines are encouraged to apply, including visual arts, performance, film, music, literary arts, fashion, graphic design, socially engaged practice, and interdisciplinary work.

STEP ONE

Submission Fee:
$10 per artist. Please use the payment portal below to pay your submission fee before beginning the application process.

STEP TWO

Click the link below to submit your work and artist statement. Please be as intentional, thoughtful and as clear as possible in order to have the best chance of receiving this award. Best of luck!

THE SUBMISSION PORTAL IS NOW CLOSED