THE NEBRASKA TEXTILE & FIBER ART FELLOWSHIP

Applicants must be 18+, Nebraska residents, and have regular transportation access to Nebraska Innovation Studio.

Fellows are selected through an online application and interview process. Selection is based on creativity, motivation, commitment, communication skills, and a clear vision for how the fellowship will support your artistic growth. More than anything, we're looking for applicants with a genuine passion for making and a thoughtful plan for using the fellowship's resources to advance their creative practice.

Successful applicants are expected to remain actively engaged throughout the fellowship. Over the course of the 20-week program, Fellows will participate in approximately two in-person events each month. These include orientation, artist talks, workshops, mentorship sessions, studio critiques, project check-ins, and a final public showcase celebrating each Fellow's work. Outside of scheduled events, Fellows are encouraged to take advantage of open studio time, equipment access, and mentorship opportunities while working independently at their own pace.

As a general guideline, participants should expect to devote approximately 4 hours per week to the fellowship.

Not at all! The fellowship welcomes makers of all experience levels, from complete beginners to experienced textile artists. Whether you're interested in weaving, sewing, quilting, embroidery, knitting, crochet, natural dyes, felting, wearable art, surface design, or another fiber-based discipline, the program provides access to the tools, mentorship, and community to help you grow.

Curiosity and a willingness to learn are far more important than prior experience.

The focus of this fellowship is to support the maker, not just the project. Your project might be a collection of textile artwork, an exploration of a new technique, a wearable design, a community art initiative, an exhibition, a research project, or simply a creative direction you've always wanted to pursue. We simply ask that applicants have a clear area of interest or project concept so they can make the most of the fellowship's resources and mentorship. 

Success is not measured solely by the finished work. Throughout the fellowship, participants will share their creative process, reflect on their growth, and engage with fellow artists through critiques, discussions, and public presentations. These opportunities foster collaboration, strengthen artistic practice, and help Fellows communicate the story behind their work. Program mentors are available to provide guidance and feedback throughout the fellowship while allowing each artist complete creative ownership of their work.

Because the fellowship is built around a collaborative cohort experience, active participation is expected. If a Fellow is unable to maintain regular involvement, program staff will first reach out to discuss any challenges and identify possible solutions. Continued lack of participation may result in dismissal from the fellowship so that program resources can be focused on engaged participants.

Absolutely. Many Fellows may use the program to support existing artistic projects, university coursework, thesis work, professional portfolios, community initiatives, or ongoing creative businesses. The fellowship is designed to complement, not replace, your existing creative pursuits by providing additional mentorship, equipment access, studio resources, and a community of fellow makers.

The fellowship's success is measured through participant engagement, artistic growth, completed creative work, public showcases, and feedback from Fellows, mentors, and community partners. The program also seeks to strengthen Nebraska's creative ecosystem by fostering collaboration, expanding access to textile and fiber arts resources, and supporting the continued development of artists across the state.