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Applications open for CINTAS Fellowships Program in Cuba

Deadline: 01-May-2026

The CINTAS Foundation offers the 2026 CINTAS Fellowships to recognize and support creative excellence among artists of Cuban citizenship or direct descent. Fellowships of USD 25,000 are available across architecture and design, creative writing, music composition, photography, and visual arts, promoting professional growth and long-term artistic contributions.

Overview

The CINTAS Fellowships Program celebrates creative excellence and provides financial support to artists of Cuban citizenship or direct lineage. Each fellowship is designed to recognize artistic achievements and foster further creative development in selected disciplines. Applications are reviewed by discipline-specific juror panels, with final awards granted by the Foundation’s Board based on these recommendations.

Eligible Disciplines

  • Architecture and Design: Architectural design, interior design, urban design, and urban planning

  • Creative Writing: Cuban writers working in traditional or media-based literary forms

  • Music Composition: Opportunities may include performances at established contemporary music festivals

  • Photography: Newly established, honoring leadership in photographic arts

  • Visual Arts: Includes traditional and media-based visual art practices

Funding Details

  • Award value: USD 25,000 per fellowship

  • Considered taxable income under U.S. law, subject to applicable regulations and withholding

  • Fellowships are annual, with eligibility announced on the CINTAS Foundation website

  • Maximum of two awards per individual, with second awards requiring evidence of exceptional artistic growth

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

  • Be artists of Cuban citizenship or direct lineage (having a Cuban parent or grandparent)

  • Be non-performing artists (with exceptions as explicitly allowed)

  • Not primarily engaged in research; students are generally not eligible

  • Comply with U.S. laws and regulations affecting fund issuance

  • Submit work in English or Spanish

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit a complete application online, including:

  • Narrative statements describing artistic vision and project proposals

  • Letters of recommendation

  • Digital work samples uploaded via the Work Samples Form, carefully itemized

  • All submissions are made through the CINTAS Fellowship Selection Program portal

Responsibilities of Fellowship Recipients

  • Pursue artistic activities as outlined in approved proposals

  • Encourage contribution of representative work to the CINTAS Fellows Collection for historical documentation

  • Comply with all U.S. legal and tax obligations related to the fellowship

Why It Matters

  • Recognizes and fosters creative excellence among Cuban artists globally

  • Supports professional and artistic development in architecture, design, music, writing, photography, and visual arts

  • Encourages the preservation and documentation of Cuban artistic heritage through the Fellows Collection

  • Provides opportunities for performance, exhibition, and professional recognition

Tips for Applicants

  • Ensure eligibility based on Cuban citizenship or lineage

  • Prepare clear and compelling narrative statements for the application

  • Submit high-quality digital work samples and carefully itemize them

  • Seek strong letters of recommendation from professionals familiar with your artistic practice

  • Comply with all submission guidelines and deadlines

FAQs

  1. Who is eligible for the CINTAS Fellowship?
    Artists of Cuban citizenship or direct descent (parent or grandparent), non-performing, not primarily students or researchers.

  2. Which disciplines are supported?
    Architecture and Design, Creative Writing, Music Composition, Photography, and Visual Arts.

  3. How much is each fellowship?
    USD 25,000, considered taxable income under U.S. law.

  4. Can an artist receive multiple fellowships?
    Yes, a maximum of two fellowships, with the second award requiring exceptional artistic growth.

  5. What is required for the application?
    Completed online application, narrative statements, letters of recommendation, and digital work samples.

  6. Are work samples mandatory?
    Yes, all work samples must be submitted digitally via the Work Samples Form and carefully itemized.

  7. Can students or researchers apply?
    Generally no; fellowships are intended for professional artists actively pursuing creative practice.

Conclusion

The CINTAS Fellowships Program 2026 provides Cuban artists with financial support, recognition, and opportunities to advance their creative practice. By supporting diverse disciplines and documenting artistic achievements through the Fellows Collection, the program ensures lasting impact on Cuban artistic excellence and global cultural heritage.

For more information, visit CINTAS Foundation.