If you’re a passionate visual artist looking for mentorship, global exposure, and a group exhibition in New York City, the Canopy Scholarship Program 2025–2026 is your ideal opportunity. Offered by the New York Foundation for the Arts (NYFA), this fully funded opportunity of a year-long mentorship initiative connects selected artists with esteemed mentors and a vibrant international artist cohort—virtually or in-person. From studio critiques to a final exhibition in Chelsea, this program nurtures artistic growth, professional development, and critical engagement.

Whether you’re post-undergraduate, MFA-trained, or a practicing professor, Canopy 2025-26 offers a rare space to sharpen your voice, expand your network, and amplify your practice.

About the Canopy Program

The Canopy Program, launched under NYFA’s support and mentorship wing, is designed for committed visual artists eager to refine their studio practices, receive targeted mentorship, and engage in critique-driven conversations over three semesters—Fall 2025, Winter 2026, and Spring 2026. With virtual and in-person cohorts, this hybrid mentorship suits both New York-based and international applicants.

Canopy Scholarship Program 2025 Overview 

Feature	Details
Scholarship Name	The Canopy Scholarship Program 2025–2026
Offered By	New York Foundation for the Arts (NYFA)
Program Type	Fully Funded Mentorship/Residency
Eligibility	Visual Artists (Post-undergrad, MFA holders, practicing artists)
Mode	Online (Zoom) & In-person (Chelsea, NY)
Key Dates	App Deadline: July 27, 2025; Notification: August 4–8, 2025
Program Duration	1 Year (Fall 2025 – Spring 2026)
Application Fee	$5
Location	Global (Online) or New York City (In-person)
Cohort Size	10 Artists per Faculty Mentor

Benefits of the Canopy Program

• Personalized mentorship with world-renowned artists
• 3-semester mentorship framework focused on critique, lectures, and development
• Access to visiting critics and special workshops
• A group exhibition in Chelsea, NYC with an opening reception
• Long-term artistic accountability and networking
• Opportunities for one-on-one critiques with renowned visiting artists
• Exclusive Zoom-based sessions for international applicants
• Community-led support structure to develop your artistic voice
• Resources for professional practices and artist career strategies

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for Canopy 2025–2026, applicants must:

1. Be a practicing visual artist in any discipline (painting, sculpture, installation, mixed media, etc.).
2. Have completed an undergraduate degree or be post-school.
3. Submit a strong portfolio with at least 15–20 artworks (completed or installations).
4. You have to be attending virtual sessions (for online cohorts) or reside in NYC (for in-person cohort).
5. Be between 30–75 years old (as per past cohorts).
6. Be capable of writing short statements about their artistic goals and choice of mentors.
7. Pay a nominal $5 application fee.

How to Apply

• Visit the Canopy 2025–2026 Application Page
• Upload your portfolio (Google Slides or website link)
• Write two brief statements of intent
• Rank up to three Faculty Mentors
• Pay the $5 application fee
• Submit before July 27, 2025

You can also RSVP to an info session to learn more directly from the faculty and past participants.

Key Faculty Mentors (2025–2026)

• Meg Lipke
• Catherine Haggarty (Program Founder)
• Amir H. Fallah
• Sharon Butler
• Clare Grill
• Jessica Dickinson

Canopy Program Timeline

Phase	Period
Applications Open	May 19, 2025
Application Deadline	July 27, 2025
Notification Period	August 4–8, 2025
1st Semester	Fall 2025 – “Foundations”
2nd Semester	Winter 2026 – “Lectures & Development”
3rd Semester	Spring 2026 – “The Full Picture”

Comparison of Canopy Program vs. Other Mentorships

Feature	Canopy Program	Skowhegan Residency	Fire Island Residency
Duration	1 Year (3 Semesters)	9 Weeks	4 Weeks
Virtual Option	Yes	No	No
Exhibition Included	Yes (Chelsea, NY)	No	No
Open to International Artists	Yes	Limited	No
Fee	$5	$30+	Free
Mentorship Structure	One-on-One & Group	Mostly Peer-Based	Guest Artist Visits
Platform	Zoom/In-Person	In-Person Only	In-Person Only

FAQs About Canopy Scholarship Program 2025

1. Who is eligible for The Canopy Program 2025–2026?
   Visual artists post-undergrad, MFA graduates, and practicing professionals aged 30–75.
2. Is there a fee to apply?
   Yes, a non-refundable fee of $5.
3. Is the program virtual or in-person?
   Both options are available. Virtual cohorts are for global applicants, and in-person cohorts are for NYC-based artists.
4. What disciplines are accepted?
   All visual arts, including painting, sculpture, drawing, and installation.
5. What are the key dates?
   Applications close July 27, 2025. Program begins in Fall 2025 and ends Spring 2026.
6. Is there a final exhibition?
   Yes, each cohort concludes with a curated group show in Chelsea, NY.
7. Do I have to pick a mentor?
   Yes, you may rank up to three Faculty Mentors. Final selection places you in one cohort.
8. Are there info sessions available?
   Yes, you can register here to attend upcoming sessions with faculty and past artists.
9. What materials are required?
   Portfolio (15–20 artworks), intent statements, and personal details.
10. Can international artists apply?
    Yes, via the virtual cohort option.

This is your moment to connect with globally recognized artists, challenge your studio practice, and showcase your art in New York’s vibrant Chelsea district. If you’re serious about growing your practice, don’t miss this rare mentorship opportunity. APPLY NOW. Check the complete details about Canopy Scholarship Program 2025 on the official website.

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