United States Artists (USA) has announced its list of 2025 USA Fellows, comprising 50 artists that hail from 21 states. Each recipient will be awarded a $50,000 unrestricted cash prize. The fellows are categorized into 10 creative disciplines: visual arts, architecture & design, writing, dance, film, media, music, theater & performance, traditional arts, and craft.
The fellowship recipients are chosen through a year-long peer-led selection process. This year, six visual artists were selected, including Caroline Kent, Gala Porras-Kim, Kahlil Robert Irving, Karyn Olivier, Sadie Barnette, and Sherrill Roland. Meanwhile, among the artists in the media category is American multidisciplinary artist Rashaad Newsome, known for his experimental work that leverages technology to uplift Black and queer voices.
“As we approach our 20th anniversary, the USA Fellowship takes an increasingly significant role in how we view the arts funding landscape, ” said Ed Henry, United States Artists board chair in a statement. “In addition to being an exceptional group of artists and practitioners, this year’s cohort of Fellows manifest the many ways in which USA, and the broader art world, consider the support of artists—at all stages of their career, in all areas of their lives, and during all moments in our shared cultural history. ”
In addition to financial support, the Fellows will gain access to financial planning services and grant writing assistance throughout the coming year. This initiative reflects United States Artists’s commitment to supporting the evolving needs of artists, facilitating both immediate and long-term artistic development.
The 2025 cohort is a diverse list, including four Native Hawaiian and 12 Indigenous artists and collectives. The group includes artists at various stages of their careers, from seasoned professionals over the ages of 50 to young emerging talents in their twenties.
Established in 2006, the USA Fellowship program has distributed more than $38.5 million to over 750 artists from around the United States. In 2024, the fellowship was awarded to six visual artists and collectives, including Sofía Gallisá Muriente, Trisha Baga, EJ Hill, New Red Order (comprising Adam Khalil, Jackson Polys, and Zack Khalil), and María Magdalena Campos-Pons. For the full list of 2025 USA Fellows, follow this link.