As of 2025, VCCA’s 50th Anniversary Fellowships are now called the Greater Opportunity Fellowships — a reflection of our ongoing goal to expand our artist residency fellowship program and amplify creative voices that need to be heard.
vcca.com/greater-opportunity-fellowships
History of the Fellowships
Conceived during VCCA’s 50th anniversary year in 2021 and established in 2022, the 50th Anniversary Fund provided free first-time VCCA residencies for selected artists of color. VCCA awarded 108 50th Anniversary Fellowships in the first two years of the program. As an ongoing initiative, VCCA will continue to provide as many Greater Opportunity Fellowships as fundraising support for the Greater Opportunity Fund allows each fiscal year.
Fellow Testimonials
“First and foremost, I would like to commend the VCCA for providing an outstanding studio and space for me to work in, allowing me to fully immerse myself in my artistic practice. The support and community within the VCCA were truly uplifting and have left a lasting impact on me as an artist.” ABED ELMAJID SHALABI
There Was a Cafe at The Crossroads Custom Made Diamond Grade Reflective Aluminum Sign. Steel. 48 x 36 x 2 inches each. 2023.
“The environment is beautiful, fragrant flowers and lofty trees along the paths, the air filled with birdsong — a truly wonderful place to work and be inspired to higher creativity in a community of other artists. I worked on new music and formed new friendships that I know will last a lifetime!” CAROLYN YARNELL
Photo and music by Carolyn Yarnell
“I loved my time at VCCA! The 50th Anniversary Fellowship afforded me the opportunity to generate my second novel among other creatives in a beautiful landscape.”
Photo by Ami Sands Brodoff