Arts & Health Artist Fellowship Application Information
Program Overview
The Visual Arts Center of New Jersey, in partnership with Atlantic Health Overlook Medical Center, invites applications for a 48-week Arts & Health Artist Fellowship. Two fellows will be selected to participate in training within a healthcare setting, engage directly with patients, lead a staff wellness workshop, and present work in an exhibition at Overlook Medical Center.
The fellowship will begin on October 5, 2026 and run for 48 weeks, concluding on or around October 4, 2027. Fellows will have time off for major holidays in alignment with the hospital calendar.
Each fellow will receive a stipend of $16,800, reflecting a 10-hour-per-week commitment over the duration of the fellowship. The stipend will be distributed on a bi-monthly payment schedule (twice per month), rather than as a lump sum.
This program is designed to prepare artists to work ethically and effectively in healthcare environments while supporting the wellbeing of patients and hospital staff through meaningful arts engagement.
Weekly Schedule Expectations
Fellows are expected to commit an average of 10 hours per week, which may include a combination of:
- On-site engagement at Atlantic Health Overlook Medical Center (patient-facing arts activities and observation)
- Planning and preparation time for sessions and workshops
- Participation in training and mentorship meetings
- Documentation and reflective practice
- Coordination with staff and program partners
Schedules may vary week-to-week depending on hospital needs, programming schedules, and exhibition timelines. Fellows should be comfortable with a flexible schedule and working within an active healthcare environment.
What to Expect as a Fellow
As a fellow in this program, you can expect to:
- Gain hands-on experience working in a healthcare setting with direct patient engagement
- Receive training and mentorship grounded in national arts & health best practices
- Develop and lead at least one staff wellness workshop
- Present your work in a professional exhibition at Atlantic Health Overlook Medical Center
- Build skills in trauma-informed facilitation, communication, and program design
- Engage in ongoing reflection and learning as part of your professional development
This fellowship is both a learning experience and a professional opportunity, designed to support artists in expanding their practice into the arts & health field.
Important Dates
- Application Opens: May 15, 2026
- Application Deadline: July 17, 202
- Interviews: August 3-September 4, 2026
- Fellowship Start: October 5, 2026
- Fellowship End: On or around October 4, 2027