About the Open Call

As the struggles faced by so many Cuban artists are compounded by the burden of exile and migration, ARC – Artists at Risk Connection is proud to launch the call for the third edition of the Cuban Migrant Artists Resilience Fellowship. This initiative is bolstered by the first and second editions of the fellowship, which have reaffirmed our commitment to our role as a source of empowerment for fellows as they work to bring their creative visions to life, despite the challenges. The core objective of the fellowship is to extend a resilience grant to 10 artists, enabling them to embark on art projects that serve as catalysts for universal values such as artistic freedom, cultural rights, human rights, gender equality, and more. Beyond financial support, the fellowship is designed to offer an array of specialized tools and resources to aid Cuban migrant artists as they navigate their new professional lives abroad. Embracing the challenges of a new cultural environment, they will receive the guidance and mentorship to foster their artistic growth and development. Moreover, we will help artists to establish robust networks within a global artistic community, fostering collaborations and connections that transcend geographical divides. Each artist selected for the Cuban Migrant Artists Resilience Fellowship will receive the following comprehensive support: A resilience grant amounting to 7,000 USD, empowering them to pursue their artistic endeavors with financial freedom. A personalized mentorship program, tailored to cater to their specific artistic aspirations and professional growth. Virtual training sessions, carefully designed to address the unique needs and challenges faced by each artist, fostering skill development and artistic excellence. Peer-to-peer exchanges conceived to foster community, create space to share experiences and advice, and nurture a sense of belonging. The exciting opportunity to present their art project in a group show alongside the past two fellowship cohorts, providing a platform to share their work with a broader audience. To be eligible for the fellowship, applicants must meet the following criteria: Be 18 years of age or older and have been born in Cuba. Have relocated abroad within the last five years due to their creative expression, highlighting the significant impact of migration on their artistic journey. Demonstrate a strong dedication to pursuing a career in the arts, showcasing their unwavering commitment to their craft. Artists from all artistic disciplines are invited to apply. This call is intended only for artists who have faced persecution or risk due to their artistic pursuits or activism, and who demonstrate a clear interest in and need to participate in the fellowship program. During the selection process, applicants will be evaluated based on their submission of a detailed, well-defined plan, timeline, and budget breakdown for their artistic proposal. It is important to note that the fellowship lasts six months. Accordingly, the program is intended to support artistic proposals that can be completed within that timeframe and with the amount of the resiliency grant awarded to each grantee. A proposal may not be considered if its success depends on securing additional funding. Applicants must possess a valid means to receive funds from ARC, with acceptable forms of payment including bank account or PayPal. To apply for the resilience fellowship program, please fill out the online form. If you have any trouble accessing and/or filling out this form, please contact us at arc@artistsatriskconnection.org. The fellowship will run from January to June 2026. The application deadline is 24 December 2025, at 11:59 PM ET / New York time, and the awardees will be announced in early January.

What is Offered

A resilience grant amounting to 7,000 USD, a personalized mentorship program, virtual training sessions, peer-to-peer exchanges, and the opportunity to present their art project in a group show.

Requirements

Applicants must be 18 years of age or older and have been born in Cuba. They must have relocated abroad within the last five years due to their creative expression and demonstrate a strong dedication to pursuing a career in the arts. This call is for artists who have faced persecution or risk due to their artistic pursuits or activism. Applicants must submit a detailed plan, timeline, and budget for their artistic proposal. The proposal must be completable within the six-month fellowship timeframe and with the granted amount of 7,000 USD. Applicants must possess a valid means to receive funds from ARC (bank account or PayPal).

How to Apply

To apply for the resilience fellowship program, please fill out the online form. The application link is provided in the opportunity description. If you have any trouble accessing or filling out the form, contact arc@artistsatriskconnection.org.