Applications Open for 2026–27 and 2027–28 Freund Teaching Fellowships

Emerging and mid-career visual artists are invited to apply for the 2026–27 and 2027–28 Henry L. and Natalie E. Freund Teaching Fellowships. These fellowships, established in 1986, are collaboratively sponsored by the Saint Louis Art Museum and the Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts at Washington University in St. Louis, with funding support from the Freund Endowment Fund.

The fellowship grants artists a chance to spend a semester on the campus of Washington University, where they design and teach a class in the College of Art. Fellows occupy an on-campus studio and have access to the university’s state-of-the-art facilities, enabling them to develop a solo exhibition. This exhibition is then featured in the Saint Louis Art Museum’s Currents exhibition series the following year. The teaching award amounts to $45,000, alongside an additional production grant from the museum.

To qualify, applicants must have obtained an MFA at least five years prior and demonstrated professional exhibition experience. The selection committee is interested in artists who produce compelling work and are eager to engage with WashU’s dynamic community, though previous teaching experience isn’t a requirement. Applicants must submit a portfolio and a course proposal reflective of their practice and expertise.

Notable past fellows include Catherine Opie (2000), Ellen Gallagher (2002-03), Sarah Oppenheimer (2007-08), Andréa Stanislav (2015-16), Jess T. Dugan (2020-21), Blas Isasi Gutiérrez (2024-25), Meleko Mokgosi (2021-22), and Tamara Johnson (2022-23).

Applications must be submitted by September 1, 2025. For more information and to apply, visit samfoxschool.washu.edu.