SLAC 2026-27 Youth Artist Fellowship Application
Applications are now open for Salt River Local Arts Collaborative’s 2026–27 Youth Artist Fellowship.
The fellowship is open to Bullitt County youth ages 16-19 who are passionate about writing, visual art, music, theater, dance, photography, digital media, or another creative discipline. The selected fellow will receive a $1,000 fellowship award, one-on-one mentorship with an experienced artist or educator, leadership development opportunities, and the chance to make a lasting impact on the local arts scene.
The deadline for applications is August 31, 2026
[The experience] helped me sharpen my leadership skills and make connections with people in the art scene that will definitely help me as I move forward and start new projects.
SLAC’s 2025-26 Youth Artist Fellow, Finley Byers
Throughout the year, the youth artist fellow will develop their own creative practice while participating in SLAC events and completing a youth-centered capstone project. They’ll also have the chance to share their work with the community and help lead activities at our Youth Arts and Mindfulness (YAM) Camp.
You can find more information about the requirements and expectations below – a printable reference is available here.
Applicants for the SLAC Youth Artist Fellowship must:
- Be between the ages of 16 and 19 at the start of the fellowship year
- Live in Bullitt County, Kentucky, or attend a school located in Bullitt County
- Demonstrate a strong interest and commitment to an artistic discipline, including but not limited to writing, visual art, music, theater, dance, photography, digital media, or other creative practices
- Show evidence of creative engagement through previous work, projects, performances, publications, exhibitions, or other experiences (formal training is not required)
- Demonstrate curiosity, openness to feedback, and a willingness to continue growing as an artist and leader
- Be interested in helping create welcoming spaces where other young people can explore creativity and express themselves
- Understand and value the role that art can play in building community, supporting wellness, encouraging resilience, and helping people navigate life experiences
- Be reliable, responsible, and able to commit time throughout the fellowship year
- Be willing to participate in SLAC community events, artists’ socials, mentorship meetings, and required fellowship activities
- Have parent/guardian support if under the age of 18
SLAC welcomes young artists from all backgrounds and experiences. We are especially interested in applicants who believe creativity can help people connect, heal, tell their stories, and create positive change in their communities.
The Youth Artist Fellow receives:
- A $1,000 fellowship award
- Professional mentorship from an experienced artist or educator
- Leadership development in planning, facilitating, and promoting arts programming
- Opportunities to share their creative work through SLAC events, publications, and community programs
- Support for a youth-focused capstone project
- Experience contributing to the growth of a local arts organization
The Youth Artist Fellow agrees to:
- Participate actively in mentorship meetings and fellowship activities
- Attend SLAC’s quarterly artists’ socials throughout the fellowship year
- Represent SLAC in a positive, respectful, and professional manner
- Help nurture the local creative community by encouraging participation from other young artists
- Design and complete a youth-centered capstone project with support from a mentor
- Attend SLAC’s Youth Arts and Mindfulness (YAM) Camp next summer and possibly lead or co-lead a creative workshop, activity, or presentation
- Share creative work and experiences through SLAC programming, publications, or events
Examples of possible capstone projects include:
- Leading a youth writing workshop or creative club
- Organizing a youth art exhibition or showcase
- Creating a collaborative art, music, or writing project with other young people
- Developing a workshop series for youth participants
- Creating a project that combines art, wellness, storytelling, and community connection
Please fill out the form fields below to submit your application:Examples of possible capstone projects include: