Inside/Outside Fellowship FAQs

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 artists to apply for our 2023 Fellowship program. We do have some musts – you must be at least 21 years of age,, not enrolled in a degree program, and live in the Omaha–Council Bluffs metro area.

How are artists selected for the program?

A shortlist is determined through online scoring by a three-person jury comprising an alumnus of the Fellowship program, a community member, and an arts and culture worker living outside of Omaha. Applications are evaluated on the basis of artistic merit (demonstration of creative vision and skill); potential benefit at this moment in the applicant’s career; feasibility to support the applicant’s needs; and demonstrated commitment to or passion for community engagement. Finalists are interviewed by the jury and/or the Director of Programs and final decisions are announced in late January, 2023.

Can collectives apply?

The program can accommodate individual artists and artist duos only. Larger collectives are not eligible to apply. If you are an artist duo, please appoint one person in the application to be the primary contact. Applications from artist duos are evaluated case-by-case and acceptance is based, in part, on our ability to support your collaborative work. Artist duos must have a demonstrated history of working together prior to applying to the program and, if accepted, must share their studio space and stipends.

Can alumni apply?

While we’re totally open to having former Fellows come back, we ask that you wait a year before re-applying to the program.

Should I apply for the Fellowship Program or purchase a Co-Op Studio 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 a studio or the Co-Op Studios. You may purchase a studio pass for our Co-Op Studios at www.u-ca.org/coopstudios.

Can you help me with my application?

Be sure to read our Application Guidelines + FAQs before applying. Still need help? Register for an online application feedback session with a Union staff member at THIS LINK. If you are not able to make one of these sessions, please email diana@u-ca.org.

Note: An appointment does not guarantee acceptance into the program.

Are the studios accessible?

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 and fresh air.

For more information on The Union’s building facilities, check out a 3D tour of our building.

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 free Wifi throughout.

How often do I have to use my studio?

Please do not apply if you will not make use of the studio space at least 15 hours weekly. Each year, we receive upwards of 100 applications for the Fellowship program who are in need of studio space, and have to turn many qualified candidates away. Regular studio engagement is imperative to the Fellowship experience.

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 do I have access to my studio?

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?

Fellows are required to attend orientation events, monthly critique sessions, hold open studio hours according to the Fellowship event schedule, and attend final project sessions at the close of the Fellowship.

What is the purpose of experiential learning?

Experiential learning serves to deepen an artist's engagement with contemporary issues by providing opportunities to get closer to the systems and social issues artist’s seek to address, while building relationships with community members. We hope that this experience will help the Fellows make informed decisions when working with or portraying communities and in developing their final projects. Experiential learning can be direct service to causes the artist is passionate about, collaboration within a community, or supporting a cause using your skills.

How many experiential learning hours are required?

Fellows are required to complete 50 hours of experiential learning over the course of the program. Fellows reflect on this experience throughout the program via workshop discussions, the final project, and other avenues.

What is the final project and/or what are the professional development funds for?

As part of the program, each Fellow will receive a $500 professional development stipend. This can be used to invest in a final project or be used throughout the program to dive deeper into learning.

Professional development could include learning a new creative skill, attending a conference, paying another artist to teach you a new medium, investing in equipment or marketing, diving into research, buying books, and more.

At the end of the program, each Fellow will have the opportunity to present new work, which we refer to as the final project. Possibilities include a gallery exhibition, public artwork, reading, screening, theatrical or movement-based performance, one-off public program, or an event series. The final project could be made in response to the Fellow’s experiential learning and/or in collaboration with a community partner or be a cumulation of everything the artist has worked on while in Fellowship with us.