the West virginia creative network
creative entrepreneur fellowship
Creative Entrepreneur Fellowship Applications Are Now Open For 2027
West Virginia Creative Network (WVCN) and West Virginia State University (WVSU) Extension Service are proud to announce the opening of applications for the Creative Entrepreneur Fellowship (CEF) to artists working and residing in West Virginia.Â
The CEF program provides entrepreneurship training and financial literacy education, helping artists boost their business practice with mentoring, education, and resources. The program also provides experiences, connections, skills, and relationships with West Virginia professional artists and arts institutions to support the fellows in their career goals.Â
This year’s CEF program is designed for individual visual artists, and will culminate in a gallery exhibition. Some in-state travel is required for the program and a $400 travel stipend will be provided to the fellows to assist. The cohort will meet in-person in April (date and location TBD), June 3 & 4 (location TBD), and on August 27 in Parkersburg.
Online submissions are open October 12, 2026 – January 11, 2027. The new CEF cohort will be announced in the spring of 2027.Â
For Innovators, Storytellers, and Culture Builders
The West Virginia Creative Network’s Creative Entrepreneur Fellowship invests in artists who are ready to grow their creative work into thriving, sustainable businesses. Fellows are innovators, storytellers, and culture builders whose impact goes beyond individual projects to strengthen West Virginia’s creative economy and shape how communities thrive.
What Our Fellows Receive
The Creative Entrepreneur Fellowship is designed to help artists turn vision into viable business, contribute to local economies, and make West Virginia a more vibrant place to live and work.
Strengthen WV Through Your Art
The Creative Entrepreneur Fellowship is designed to help artists turn vision into viable business, contribute to local economies, and make West Virginia a more vibrant place to live and work.
Applications Are Now Open For the 2027 CEF Cohort!
Applications Open October 12, 2026 - January 11, 2027
Business Investment
$2,500 business investment to support the next phase of their creative career.
Technical Training
Technical training, personalized mentoring, consulting, and brand development.
Networking
Connections to professional artists, cultural organizations, and arts leaders across the state.
Entrepreneurial Training
Entrepreneurship training and financial literacy tools to build strong, sustainable creative enterprises.
Marketing Opportunities
Increased visibility, marketing support, and access to new markets and professional opportunities
DONATE
Support the West Virginia Creative Network
Every gift to the Creative Entrepreneur Fellowship is an investment in West Virginia’s future.Â
Your support provides training, mentorship, and resources that equips artists to create, connect, and contribute to West Virginia’s cultural and economic future.
