The Trenton Arts Fellowship, cosponsored by Mercer County Community College (MCCC) and Princeton University’s Lewis Center for the Arts, supports Trenton artists by providing studio space on MCCC's James Kerney Campus (JKC) in Trenton, resources, programming opportunities, mentorship, and research funds to assist artists in creating impactful work that engages the Trenton community.
This Fellowship's mission is based on the understanding that exposure to the arts helps us make sense of our lives and the lives of our neighbors. We pursue this mission by bringing together a vibrant community of people with different backgrounds, experiences, perspectives, and artistic practices.
The Trenton Arts Fellowship will be given to visual artists of exceptional promise to pursue independent projects at MCCC's JKC in Trenton during the academic year. The Fellowship is designed to provide Fellows with time and studio space to undertake significant new work. In this inaugural year of the Fellowship, one Trenton artist will be named the Trenton Arts Fellow for 2027-28.
A $10,000 stipend/research fund is provided for this 10-month fellowship (September-June). Up to half may of the stipend/research fund may be used for living expenses, with the remainder dedicated to materials and research connected to an artist's work.
Fellows will be able to identify themselves as Mercer County Community College-Princeton Lewis Center for the Arts Trenton Arts Fellows, and may be listed on MCCC/LCA’s websites, etc. Fellows’ formal appointment is with MCCC. Fellows will have access to both MCCC and Princeton University resources.
This fellowship is committed to fostering an academic environment that acknowledges and encourages community.
Requirements:
Fellows will have the opportunity to join workshops, conversations, open studios, and/or exhibitions in the MCCC gallery space.
Eligibility:
The Trenton Arts Fellowship is open to all individuals, without regard to identity or other protected characteristics. Fellowship applicants must be living and working in the city of Trenton. (Proof of a Trenton, NJ mailing address may be required.)
Applicants must not be enrolled in an institutional program of study, during the fellowship period. (Applicants may be in school during the application process.)
Fellowships are not intended to fund work leading to a degree.
To apply, please submit via the online form here by November 30, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. (EDT), and include:
Work samples may include one of the following:
Video can represent one work or excerpts; provide cue points if including a link to a longer work.
Please upload your work samples as a single PDF by compiling all images and text in a single PDF. You may also create a single PDF that contains links to the files on any reputable file sharing site, such as Google Drive, Dropbox, YouTube, Vimeo, etc. Provide access passwords, if necessary.
We cannot confirm receipt of applications, nor can we accept applications submitted after the deadline.
Please apply by November 30, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. EDT.
For more information or questions, you can reach us by email at trentonartsfellowship@mccc.edu .
September 1, 2026
Application process opens
September 19, 2026
Open House (12-4 p.m.) During Art All Day in Trenton
Location:
JKC Gallery, Mercer County Community College James Kerney (Trenton) Campus
Trenton Hall, 137 North Broad St.
Exhibition:
Artist Dan Bassini, exhibition, No Invite: Ten Years of Capturing Fashion Week by Any Means Necessary
12 p.m - Reception/light refreshments
1 p.m. - Brief review of the application requirements/Q&A
1:30 p.m. - Gallery will be open to visitors
November 30, 2026
Application deadline, 11:59 p.m. (EDT)
Applications will be reviewed by a committee of faculty and staff of Mercer County Community College, Lewis Center the Arts/Princeton University, and Artworks Trenton
March 2027
2027-28 Trenton Arts Fellow announced
August 31, 2027
10-month fellowship begins .