Fellowship

Applications Open Soon For 2026 Inside/Outside Fellowship

The Inside/Outside Fellowship is a 10-month program for Omaha-Council Bluffs area artists. It's designed for early-mid career artists who want to dive deep into their studio practice while also engaging with the community.

FELLOWS RECEIVE:

• A free 400 sq. ft. private studio at The Union.

• Access to our Co-Op Studios, including equipment for ceramics, printmaking, textiles, photography, and digital media.

• Up to $4,500 in financial support for their projects.

To support professional growth, the program includes monthly workshops, mentorship, and critical discussions about socially engaged art.

In exchange, Fellows are required to complete an experiential learning project that serves the North Omaha community. This could include leading workshops, building sets, organizing community events, or spearheading a neighborhood art project.

REQUIREMENTS

• Studio Time & Documentation: Dedicate a minimum of 200 hours to your studio practice and provide monthly documentation of your work in progress.

• Community Engagement: Complete an experiential learning project (minimum of 30 contact hours) with a community partner.

• Service: Fulfill 20 hours of service within a Union program throughout the fellowship.

• Participation: Attend all scheduled monthly meetings and complete a final project to be showcased at the end of the program.

FELLOWSHIP GOALS

• Provide resources for local artists: We offer studio space and financial support to help artists based in Omaha sustain and deepen their creative practices.

• Foster professional development: We invest in artists' growth by offering free workshops, mentorship, and opportunities designed to advance their careers.

• Champion socially engaged practice: We aim to broaden artists' understanding of how their work can drive social change and empower them to apply their creative skills to community engagement in North Omaha.

SELECTION PROCESS

To be considered for the program, artists must submit a completed application by the deadline. The selection process is a multi-stage review designed to be thorough and equitable. Initially, a select group of Union staff will review all applications anonymously to identify a pool of top candidates. From there, an internal committee will conduct a more in-depth review to narrow the field. The final round of candidates will then be invited to interview with key staff, who will make the final selection. Applicants will be notified of decisions by mid January, 2026.

ARTIST ELIGIBILITY

• At least 21 years of age
• U.S citizen or permanent legal resident
• Reside in the Omaha-Council Bluffs metropolitan area
• Available to participate in all 10 months of the program
• Not enrolled in a college or university during the program

KEY DATES

Application opens: Thursday, September 18, 2025
Deadline to apply: Monday, November 3, 2025 (11:59 p.m.)
Fellowship Application Feedback Sessions: Oct 6-9, Nov 13-16; various times available
Applicants notified of decisions: mid-January 2026
Fellowship period: February 11 through December 11, 2026

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How much does it cost to apply?
There is no cost to apply.

Do I have to be a visual artist to apply?
No. The Fellowship program is meant to support visual and performing artists, writers, filmmakers, fashion designers, musicians, graphic designers, architects, and other creative individuals.

Who is eligible to apply?
We are looking for a diverse group of early- to mid-career artists who are invested in community engagement. To be eligible for the 2026 Fellowship program, you must meet the following requirements:

• Be at least 21 years of age.
• Be a U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident.
• Not be enrolled in a degree program during the fellowship.
• Live in the Omaha–Council Bluffs metro area.
• Be able to commit to the full 10-month program.

How are artists selected for the program?
The selection process is a multi-stage review designed to be thorough and equitable. Initially, a select group of Union staff will review all applications anonymously to identify a pool of top candidates. From there, an internal committee will conduct a more in-depth review to narrow the field. The final round of candidates will then be invited to interview with key staff, who will make the final selection. Applicants will be notified of decisions by mid January, 2026.

Can collectives apply?
No, our program is designed for individual artists only.

Can alumni apply?
Unfortunately, alumni are not eligible to reapply for the fellowship program. This policy is in place to ensure that new artists are given an opportunity to participate.

However, we do offer exclusive opportunities and resources for our alumni, so we encourage you to stay engaged with The Union.

Should I apply for the Fellowship Program or purchase a Co-Op Pass?
Fellows must participate in all aspects of the program. Please do not apply for the Fellowship program if you are only seeking access to studio space. You may purchase a pass at www.u-ca.org/coopstudios.

Can you help me with my application?
Yes. A limited number of feedback sessions are available. Follow the link to register.

How large are the studios?
Each studio is approximately 400 square feet. The studios are wheelchair-accessible, with doors measuring about three feet wide. Every studio has at least two windows to allow in natural light.

Do you provide housing?
Fellows must provide their own housing. Fellows may not sleep or reside in the building; the studios are for work only.

Do the studios have Wifi?
Yes, the building has Wifi throughout.

How often do I have to use my studio?
Using the provided studio space is a core component of the fellowship, and we expect it to be a significant part of your artistic practice during the program. Please only apply if you plan to use the studio for a minimum of 20 hours per month. We want to ensure that this valuable resource is utilized by fellows who will benefit from it the most.

Are there limitations to what materials I can work with in my studio?
Yes. There can be no toxic materials and no open flame in the studios.

Are any of the studios sound proofed?
We designed one studio to accommodate an artist working primarily in music or sound. However, The Union is housed in a 100-year-old building and there is only so much we can do about sound bleed. Musicians and sound artists are asked to be considerate of staff during regular business hours and when other Fellows are working.

When are the studios accessible?
Fellows have access to their individual studios 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Access to The Co-Op Studios is limited to regular Co-Op hours; check the website for the current schedule.

How often are Fellows required to meet?
In addition to the monthly workshops, Fellows are expected to attend critique sessions, gatherings, one-on-one sessions, and at least two Union events.

What is the purpose of experiential learning?
The purpose of experiential learning is to deepen an artist's understanding and engagement with contemporary issues. It achieves this by moving beyond theory and providing hands-on opportunities to interact directly with the systems and communities an artist wants to address in their work.

This approach allows artists to:

• Build authentic relationships with community members, which helps them make informed decisions when portraying or working with those groups.

• Gain firsthand knowledge of social issues, ensuring their final projects are thoughtful, accurate, and respectful.

• Contribute their skills through direct service, collaboration, or support for a cause they are passionate about.

In essence, experiential learning transforms abstract concepts into tangible experiences, resulting in work that is more authentic, informed, and impactful.

How many experiential learning hours are required?
A core requirement of the fellowship is completing 50 hours of experiential learning. Fellows are required to dedicate 30 of these hours to working with a community partner and the remaining 20 hours to Union programming. Reflection on these experiences is integrated throughout the program curriculum, including in workshop discussions and the final project.

What is the final project?
The final project is an opportunity for each fellow to present new work at the end of the program. This project can be created in response to your experiential learning, in collaboration with a community partner, or as a culmination of the work you've focused on during the fellowship. You will have the chance to present your project during the Fellows Group Exhibition.

My practice doesn’t fit in a traditional gallery space. Do I have to present my work in the Fellows Group Exhibition?
Yes. The group exhibition is designed to highlight the unique fellowship experiences of all participants. However, you do not need to present your work in a traditional gallery format. We challenge fellows to share aspects of their work in creative ways. This could include: video or audio recordings, live performances or demonstrations, workshops, installations, or another format that best suits your work.