Longfellow Emerging Artist Fellowship
Portland, ME, United States
The Longfellow Emerging Artist Fellowship (LEAF) is a bold new initiative from One Longfellow Square, created to support early-career, Maine-based musicians in building sustainable, fulfilling lives as working artists. Launching in January 2026, the fellowship offers time, space, and community for five artists to focus deeply on their craft while gaining momentum in their professional journeys.
Rooted in equity and shaped by conversations with artists and cultural leaders across Maine, LEAF is designed to meet real needs—offering not just opportunity, but meaningful support. By investing in local talent and providing a platform for growth, LEAF aims to strengthen Maine’s creative ecosystem and help launch the next generation of voices onto the national stage.
In addition to community and visibility, each LEAF Fellow will receive:
- Free access to OLS venue space for rehearsals, recordings, workshops, and creative development
- Multiple paid performance opportunities
- $5,000 stipend for travel, equipment, living expenses, and new works
- Tailored marketing and portfolio support, including media introductions and website guidance
- Weekend retreat in rural Maine for reflection, collaboration, and creative reset
- Workshops and masterclasses with working musicians
- Connections to a growing network of presenters, venues, mentors, and professional organizations
Contact
leaf@onelongfellowsquare.com
181 State Street, Suite 201
Portland, ME 04101
United States
Residency Program Information
Year Founded
2025
Context
Urban
Residency Structure
Embedded in an arts or cultural organization (including theater + gallery)
Residency Program Type
Retreat
Community-engaged
Curriculum
Experiential
Residency Program Summary
Residency Length
1 year - 1 year
Languages
English
Average Number of Artists in Residence at a Time
5
Collaborative Residency
Must apply and be accepted individually
Discipline
Music
Companions
N/A
Country of Residence
Only open to artists based in country the program is located
Family Friendly
N/A
Stage of Career
Emerging
Additional Expectations/Opportunities
Participate in public programming
How does your residency program support artists?
Unstructured time
Unrestricted funding
Art production support
Access to studio space to create new work
Access to equipment, specialized facilities and/or technical support
Inspiration from natural environment
Inspiration from cultural context
Professional development support and/or trainings
Opportunities to develop relationships with local or regional artists/arts organizations
Opportunities to collaborate with local or regional artists/arts organizations
Opportunities to collaborate with other artists/residents
Opportunities to develop relationships with other artists/residents
Opportunities for work with the local community
Opportunities to exhibit or perform new work
Application Information
Additional Eligibility Information
To be eligible for the Longfellow Emerging Artist Fellowship, applicants must:
- Be a current Maine resident at the time of application and throughout the fellowship period.
- Be 18 years of age or older at the time of application.
- Identify as an “emerging” artist. While we understand this term can be subjective, we are looking for artists who are early in their professional music career, are developing their unique voice, and demonstrate significant potential for growth and impact. This typically means you are not yet widely recognized nationally or internationally, have not regularly performed in rooms/venues exceeding a capacity of 50-100, and are actively seeking opportunities for professional development and exposure.
- Demonstrate a commitment to their musical practice and a clear vision for how the fellowship will support their artistic development.
- Be available to participate in fellowship activities within the Greater Portland area and across the state of Maine, which may include mentorship sessions, workshops, an artist retreat, and public performances/presentations throughout the fellowship period.
Artist Stipend
5000
US Dollar (USD)
Travel Stipend/Material Stipends
Residency Fees
0
US Dollar (USD)
Grant/Scholarship/Other Funding Support
Application Fee
Application Type
Open application
Accessibility
What does your program provide during the residency experience?
Pre-orientation
Manual / handbook before arrival
Communication before arrival to discuss accommodations, medical conditions, or other health needs
Orientation upon arrival
Contact information and available accommodations for programs, events, and campus
Contact info for accessibility requests for event/programming
Is your campus wheelchair accessible?
ADA Compliant
Partially Accessible
Caregiver/Aide/PCA
N/A
Accessibility Contact Name
Beth Given-Sorensen
Accessibility Contact Email
beth@onelongfellowsquare.com
Housing & Accomodation
Type of Housing
No housing provided
Accessible Housing
N/A
Accessible Communal Spaces
ADA Compliant