Robert D. Beckmann, Jr. was a founding board member of the Arts Council of Indianapolis in 1987. He was an active arts advocate, patron, a performing and visual artist,as well as a community leader.  Upon his death in 2001, he bequeathed funds to the Arts Council for the creation of a fellowship program to support emerging artists of all disciplines in central Indiana.  It is through the lasting generosity of Robert D. Beckmann, Jr. that we offer this newest fellowship opportunity to emerging artists throughout central Indiana.

The Robert D. Beckmann, Jr. Emerging Artist Fellowship Program awards two $3,500 fellowships each year to qualified and talented artists in music, dance, theatre, literature, media and/or the visual arts.  The program consists of two distinct components. The first component, a monetary award in the amount of $3,500, will be awarded for supplies, instruction, workshops, studio or rehearsal space, or other uses specifically related to the growth and development of the artist’s artistic work. The second component of the program involves a unique professional experience opportunity to which many artists may not have access until later in their careers. The Robert D. Beckmann, Jr. Emerging Artist Fellowship program seeks to introduce and provide experiences, connections, and relationships with professional arts institutions and professional artists in central Indiana.

 2010 Beckmann Emerging Artists Fellowship Application 

Christina Block - musician

Cindy Hinant - installation artist

2008 Inaugural Robert D. Beckmann, Jr. Emerging Artist Fellows:

Kate Obereich - painter

Kyle Herrington - painter

- An artist who has been working in or pursuing their field for at least one year, but no more than three years. This must not include time as a full-time student.

- An artist who is not currently pursuing an undergraduate degree. Those artists pursuing an advanced degree while pursuing a professional artistic career are eligible.

-  Age of the artist is not a consideration. Individuals who are mid-career and have chosen to switch to an artistic pursuit in a professional capacity are eligible.

-  An artist who may have a “day job” at the time of application but can demonstrate that he/she is pursuing their art form as a full-time career.

2.  How are applicants evaluated?
Fellowships will be awarded to applicants who are actively pursuing professional careers in the arts.  A panel of local arts professionals including administrative and creative leadership from major Indianapolis arts organizations as well as representatives from the Arts Council will adjudicate applications.  The recommendations from the panel go to the Arts Council Board of Directors for final approval.  

Panelists make their decisions based on the application materials, work samples, attachments, and documentation.  Applicants will be evaluated according to the following:

-  Overall excellence of the applicant’s work and the demonstration of exceptional talent

-  Commitment to professional growth and the applicant’s art form

-  Contribution of the proposed activities to the artist’s career goals and artistic development

-  Feasibility of the proposed project, including timeline, budget, and scope of activities

3.  What are the eligibility requirements for this fellowship?

These are general eligibility requirements.  Each individual’s situation is different.  It is the responsibility of the applicant to make the case in the application for meeting the eligibility requirements.

-  You must currently reside in one of the following counties: Marion, Boone, Hamilton, Hendricks, Hancock, Johnson, or Shelby County. 

-  You must be pursuing a professional career in the arts (in the fields of dance, theatre, media arts, music, literature, or visual arts) and must have been working in the arts for at least one year (not necessarily with the same art form).

-  You must reside in one of the counties listed above for at least two years following the conclusion of the fellowship activities.