The John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation has revealed the 223 individuals granted its prestigious annual fellowship, including 76 individuals from the realms of art, fine arts research, architecture, design, and photography. Noteworthy among this year’s awardees are Sheida Soleimani, an Iranian-American artist and fine arts professor; Leeza Meksin, co-founder of the Brooklyn-based Ortega y Gasset Projects; New York sculptor known as American Artist; video art creator Kenneth Tam; Ukrainian-born sculptor Alina Tenser; and Sonya Clark, recognized for her innovative use of human hair to explore the Black American experience. A full list of recipients in the visual arts category appears at the article’s conclusion.
The 2026 fellowship group represents a diverse array of 55 artistic and scientific disciplines, chosen from a rigorous selection process involving 5,000 applicants. This year’s applicant count has surged by nearly 2,000 since 2024, and by 1,500 from the previous year, corresponding to President Trump’s tenure. Under his administration, federal arts funding has faced significant cuts affecting both cultural institutions and artists. The foundation, established by Republican Senator Simon Guggenheim in 1925 in honor of his son, does not disclose specific grant amounts as they fluctuate annually based on budget considerations.
Over the years, the fellowship has facilitated the creation of landmark works such as Robert Frank’s 1958 photo book “The Americans” and Zora Neale Hurston’s 1937 novel “Their Eyes Were Watching God.” The foundation reported a 50% increase in applications for the Creative Arts and Humanities category this year. The 2026 recipients come from 10 nations and 33 U.S. states, with most being affiliated with academic institutions. The youngest fellow is 28, while the oldest is 76. A detailed list of the 2026 Guggenheim Fellowship visual arts recipients is provided below.
