A.I.R. Gallery, a pioneering artist-run feminist nonprofit based in Dumbo, Brooklyn, has been supporting emerging women and nonbinary artists through its residency fellowship program since the early 1990s. The program, which started with just one artist, Tenesh Webber, has grown over the years to include six artists in each cohort, providing crucial resources and opportunities for artists at the beginning of their careers.
However, the future of this longstanding fellowship program is now in jeopardy due to the recent rescinded grant funding from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). A.I.R. Gallery, like many other arts organizations across the country, received a notice that its $30,000 grant for 2025 had been terminated due to a misalignment of interests. This decision comes as part of President Donald Trump’s efforts to dismantle the NEA and the National Endowment for the Humanities.
The abrupt termination of grants has sparked outrage among arts organizations nationwide, with many decrying the impact it will have on artists and cultural institutions. A.I.R. Gallery is now left scrambling to find alternative ways to support its fellowship program, which has been significantly impacted by the loss of NEA funding.
Christian Camacho-Light, the Executive Director of A.I.R. Gallery, expressed disappointment at the decision, noting that this is not the first time the organization has lost federal funding. In the late 1980s and ’90s, the NEA pulled grants from A.I.R. Gallery and other cultural organizations in response to pressure from conservative lawmakers and Christian extremist lobbyists.
The NEA grant has been a crucial resource for A.I.R.’s fellowship program in recent years, accounting for approximately 20% of its budget. The funding has enabled the organization to support participating fellows with solo exhibitions, curatorial support, professional development workshops, and mentorship opportunities. It has also allowed A.I.R. to increase stipends for fellows and provide more opportunities for historically underrepresented artists.
Despite submitting an appeal to the NEA to reconsider its decision, Camacho-Light is not optimistic about the outcome. The organization has also turned to the public for donations to make up for the lost funding, raising at least $5,000 of the $30,000 needed. The future of A.I.R. Gallery’s residency fellowship program now hangs in the balance as it navigates the challenges of funding cuts and uncertainties in the art world. Despite the lack of federal support, A.I.R. is standing firm in its commitment to supporting women and nonbinary artists. The organization has reassured its current fellowship cohort and upcoming cohorts that it will not roll back on its mission to provide opportunities and resources for underrepresented artists.
Executive Director Camacho-Light emphasized the importance of A.I.R.’s work in the face of ongoing challenges and inequalities in the arts and society as a whole. She acknowledged the persistent inequities faced by women and nonbinary individuals and underscored the organization’s dedication to addressing these issues.
“We have weathered many storms in the past, but A.I.R. has always remained steadfast in its mission,” Camacho-Light stated. “Despite the obstacles, we are committed to supporting marginalized artists and creating a more inclusive and equitable art community.”
The organization recognizes the continued need for its programs and services, and is determined to meet that need head-on. A.I.R. remains a beacon of support for women and nonbinary artists, providing a platform for their voices and talents to be seen and heard.
As A.I.R. moves forward, it will continue to advocate for diversity and representation in the arts, ensuring that women and nonbinary artists have the resources and opportunities they need to thrive. The organization’s unwavering commitment to its mission serves as a testament to its resilience and determination to create a more inclusive and equitable creative landscape.
