Frequently Asked Questions
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What is The Bill Fischer Award for Visual Artists?
The Bill Fischer Award for Visual Artists is a one-time $10,000 (as of 2024) cash award that recognizes artists who live in the greater Louisville, KY, area and who demonstrate a commitment to and potential for growth within their chosen medium in the visual arts. The award is designed to assist the winning artist in pursuing their personal and professional ambitions and in achieving their full artistic potential. One finalist is selected for the recognition each year. In addition, the top five semi-finalists will receive a $500 award attributed to their exemplary work.
Who is eligible to apply?
Artists working in the following media are eligible to apply: ceramics, drawing, painting, sculpture, mixed-media, printmaking, graphic design, glass. Artists working in architecture, photography, video, time-based media, limited duration installation and the performing arts are not eligible for this award. Both emerging and established artists are encouraged to apply. Applicants must be residents living in the Louisville Metro Area for a minimum of six months prior to the application deadline. Applicants must be a minimum of 25-years old and have completed their formal art training a minimum of three years prior to the application deadline. (This is for those who have pursued and completed degree or certification arts programs). Visual artists - without formal training and who are not in degree/certification arts programs, but who demonstrate high-caliber artistic skills and merit, also known as “self-taught artists” - will also be considered. They must also meet the minimum age requirements.
How do you define the Greater Louisville area?
The Greater Louisville area is defined as Jefferson, Oldham, Shelby, Spencer, Bullitt, Nelson, Meade, Trimble, and Henry Counties in Kentucky; and Clark, Harrison, Floyd, and Washington Counties in Indiana.
Who is Bill Fischer?
Bill Fischer has had a lifelong love for art. Mr. Fischer trained with the world-renowned artist David Alfaro Siquieros of Mexico and has had countless exhibits in Louisville at the Jewish Community Center, Arts Club of Louisville, Louisville Visual Art and more. Mr. Fischer has dedicated his life to art and established this fund to invest in artists working in Kentucky.
How will the Fischer Prize winner be selected?
A first round of vetting/review will be completed by LVA staff to ensure that the application is complete and the applicant meets the minimum qualifications. Applications will then be reviewed by a jury; the jury may consist of artists, collectors, curators and/or instructors. Both rounds of review are blind, meaning the reviewers don’t know the names of the applicants. The jurors will narrow the applicants to five, based on the information submitted in the application. The jurors will then meet and select the winner.
What else should I know before I apply?
Be creative and bold in your thinking. As an artist, think about how this funding could be transformational for you in your creative path and career. Be sure to articulate your goals and vision.
How do I apply?
Applicants can find additional information online at louisvillevisualart.org/fischer-award. The required application for the Fischer Prize is available at the same site.