The Asian American Arts Alliance (A4), with support from the New York Community Trust, is offering the 2025 Van Lier Fellowship in Music to support early-career Asian American musicians based in New York City. This fellowship is designed to assist emerging artists in the fields of music composition and music performance who aim to create impactful work within the Asian American community. A4’s mission is to foster greater representation, equity, and opportunities for Asian American artists through resource sharing, promotion, and community building. The Van Lier Fellowship aligns with this mission by providing young artists with financial and professional development support to advance their careers and artistic practice.

The fellowship is open to two artists aged 30 or younger at the start of the fellowship. Each fellow will receive a $7,500 unrestricted cash stipend and participate in an eight-month structured program from May to December 2025. The fellowship consists of three phases: career coaching, artistic mentorship, and a public program presentation. During the first phase (May–July 2025), fellows will receive at least three coaching sessions focusing on professional and artistic development. In the second phase (July–September 2025), fellows will be paired with an established or mid-career music professional for one-on-one artistic mentorship. In the final phase (October–December 2025), fellows will develop and present a community workshop or public presentation with up to $1,000 in production support.

Applicants must meet specific eligibility requirements, including being of Asian heritage, residing in New York City, and not being enrolled in a music-related degree program during the fellowship period. Exceptions may be made for post-graduate students in unrelated fields. Candidates must demonstrate artistic excellence, a commitment to developing new work, a potential for growth, and an intention to positively impact the Asian American arts community. The selection process is conducted by a panel of distinguished music professionals, with final award decisions announced on April 25, 2025.

Applications must be submitted online via Jotform by March 24, 2025, at 11:59 PM ET. Required materials include an artistic statement, descriptions of career growth and fellowship goals, a community impact statement, a letter of recommendation, a resume and headshot, work samples (minimum of three, up to five, totaling no more than 15 minutes), proof of NYC residency, and proof of age. Video and audio samples must be submitted via link, with accompanying descriptions.

A4 is committed to accessibility and encourages applicants to request accommodations, such as language translation or large-print materials, at least two weeks before the deadline. A virtual information session was held on February 27, 2025, to provide guidance on the application process.

The fellowship is named after Sally and Edward Van Lier, lifelong patrons of the arts who sought to support young artists through education and professional development. The selected fellows will be publicly announced on May 8, 2025, and will gain financial support and mentorship to further their careers while engaging with the Asian American arts community.

For further inquiries, applicants can contact Justine Lee, Programs Director, at programs@aaartsalliance.org or visit the A4 website for more details.