Exciting news for emerging and mid-career visual artists around the globe — The Canopy Program 2025–2026 Mentorship Intensive is now open for applications, and yes, international artists are welcome!
Whether you’re based in New York City or halfway across the world, this prestigious year-long program offers both virtual and in-person mentorship tracks designed to help serious artists advance their practice with expert guidance, community, and exhibition opportunities.
What is The Canopy Program?
The Canopy Program is a highly selective, three-semester mentorship initiative (Fall 2025, Winter 2026, and Spring 2026), giving artists direct access to renowned Faculty Mentors, peer critique groups, art history discussions, professional development workshops, and a final group exhibition in Chelsea, New York City — a dream location for any artist!
Each cohort includes just 10 artists, offering an intimate and focused environment for growth. Sessions are conducted online via Zoom for global applicants and in person at The Canopy Studio in Chelsea for NYC-based artists.
Faculty Mentors Include:
- Meg Lipke
- Catherine Haggarty
- Amir H. Fallah
- Sharon Butler
- Clare Grill
- Jessica Dickinson
Participants will also get special access to guest critiques and workshops with notable visiting artists and critics like Sarah Faux, Sarah Peters, Victoria Roth, and Loren Erdrich.
Who Should Apply?
This opportunity is ideal for:
- Artists who have completed undergraduate studies
- MFA graduates
- University-level educators and researchers
- Artists aged 30 to 75 years old looking to deepen their studio practice in a supportive, challenging, and global environment
This is not a beginner’s program — it’s crafted for artists ready to evolve their practice, build international networks, and showcase their work in one of the world’s leading art hubs.
How to Apply?
Applicants must submit:
- A portfolio (website or Google Slides) featuring 15–20 images of completed work
- Two short statements:
- Why you’re applying to The Canopy Program
- Your preferred Faculty Mentor(s) and why
- One application allows you to apply to up to 3 cohorts, but you will be selected for only one if accepted.
Submit Application: https://www.nyfa.org/opportunities/opportunity-info/?id=5a35034b-0ca2-4d7d-9caa-5fbd5acae856
Application Deadline: The last date to apply for The Canopy Program 2025–2026 is July 27, 2025.