When Artists Exceed the Age for “Emerging” Status
**Breaking the Chains of Chrononormativity: Redefining Artistic Timelines**
In the world of arts, the expectation of a linear chronological path binds artists to tightly-controlled timelines, often limiting opportunities for those whose paths diverge. Those labeled as “emerging,” “mid-career,” or “late-career” face a system that rewards conformity to a sequence—education, early success, peak productivity—that matches societal norms. But the nature of creative work often defies such orderly progressions.
**The Harm of Chronological Constraints**
Many renowned fellowships and grants impose age caps or stage-specific criteria that inherently exclude artists who deviate from traditional timelines. Programs like the Van Lier studio fellowship, with age caps firmly set, often exclude skilled artists who defy conventional schedules. The arts industry’s insistence on such metrics ultimately limits its diversity and innovation.
These exclusions become even more pronounced in the context of systemic inequities. Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) artists, along with women and caregivers, face barriers that may delay their entry or progress in the arts. This is exacerbated by recent policy changes, such as the Supreme Court’s actions against affirmative action, which might reduce the pipeline of qualified artists entering prestigious programs.
**Rethinking Artistic Pathways**
Understanding the varied and asynchronous careers of artists challenges institutions to revisit eligibility criteria. Redefining “emergence” as a phase of growth rather than a timestamp could improve access to resources for those whose careers start or resume later. Using open timelines, like those supported by some progressive foundations, provides necessary flexibility and acknowledges diverse career arcs.
Models that embrace these ideas are already emerging. Programs like MacDowell are evaluated based on artistic quality rather than age, while others like the Anonymous Was a Woman Environmental Art Grant target artists over 40, recognizing late-chapter creativity.
**A Call for Flexible Funding**
Redesigning funding mechanisms and opportunities across the arts means aligning them more closely with artists’ lived experiences. It’s crucial to craft structures that accommodate pauses for caregiving or shifts into new media, opening pathways for re-entry and sustained contribution. Flexibility in defining career stages, rather than rigid age-based delineations, presents a more equitable and accurate method for supporting artists.
**Embracing Nonlinear Futures**
The art world has the chance to foster genuine equity by prioritizing life’s varied timelines, breaking free from established, limiting narratives. By embracing the complexity and richness of non-linear artist careers, institutions can support authentic and innovative contributions that reflect the true multitude of human experiences. As the community evolves, it must recognize that creativity cannot—and should not—be tethered to chrononormativity.