The Individual Artist Fellowship (IAF) program recognizes and supports outstanding professional Tennessee artists whose work enhances the cultural vitality of the state. Open to artists living and working in Tennessee, the program is designed for individuals who engage in a particular art form or discipline and derive significant financial support from their work. Fellowship recipients are awarded $5,000 each, with no matching funds or specific project requirements.

For Fiscal Year 2026, approximately 1–3 fellowships may be awarded in each of the following categories: Visual Art (Two-Dimensional Work, Mural Arts), Craft, Media (Film, Photography), Dance (Solo Dance, Choreography, or Movement-based Work), Music (Performance-based or Composition-based Work), Theatre (Acting, Directing, Playwriting, or Production Design including set, lighting, or costume), and Literary Arts (Fiction, Children’s/Young Adult Literature, Poetry).

This program celebrates artists whose education, experience, or natural talent distinguishes them in their discipline, providing financial recognition to further their creative contributions. For more details, applicants should consult the Fiscal Year 2026 Guidelines provided by the Tennessee Arts Commission.