The Oolite Arts Awards – 35 unrestricted cash awards for artists, now adds 2 new cash awards for curators and art writers; applications open through July 31.

MIAMI BEACH, Fla. (June 1, 2026) — Oolite Arts is now accepting applications for its suite of artist-support programs. 

Oolite Arts offers artists, art teachers – and now curators and art writers – from across Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, and Monroe counties access to funding and learning opportunities to enhance the region’s arts ecosystem. 

Applications are open June 1 through July 31, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. ET for The Ellies, Oolite Arts Awards; Studio Residencies; Home + Away Residencies; and Cinematic Residency.

Selected applicants will participate in programs and receive support during 2027.

Whether seeking unrestricted funding, a dedicated studio, a travel experience or opportunities to grow a creative practice, applicants can access resources designed to help them take the next step in their careers.

This year, The Ellies, Oolite Arts Awards, introduced a new award category for curators and art writers, expanding support for the creative professionals who create South Florida’s cultural landscape. Oolite Arts has also shortened its applications and extended the application period to two months, making it easier to apply than ever before.

“Artists, educators, curators and art writers are essential to the vitality of South Florida’s creative community, but the region’s high cost of living often marginalizes the same people who make it a great place to live,” said John Abodeely, President and CEO of Oolite Arts. “Oolite Arts is investing in artists, art teachers, curators and art writers to strengthen the region’s arts ecosystem.”

The Open Call includes:

• The Ellies, Oolite Arts Awards, provide unrestricted funding to artists, art teachers, curators and art writers. In 2027, The Ellies will distribute $500,000 in direct support.
• Studio Residency provides visual artists with free studio space and professional development support, including a Knight Foundation Housing Stipend, career coaching, networking opportunities and additional funding to help advance their careers.
• Home + Away Residency, which offers national and international immersive travel experiences that encourage artistic growth, experimentation and networking.
• Cinematic Residency, which supports filmmakers through mentorship, resources and professional development opportunities.

Since launching in 2018, The Ellies have awarded approximately $4.1 million to artists and educators, helping fuel creative careers and strengthen South Florida’s arts community.

To help prospective applicants learn more about available opportunities, Oolite Arts will host a free in-person information session on Wednesday, June 17, from 7 to 9 p.m. at Oolite Arts, 924 Lincoln Rd., Miami Beach. Attendees will learn about eligibility requirements, award categories, residency opportunities and the application process, and will have the opportunity to ask questions before the July 31 deadline.

Additional information, eligibility requirements and application guidelines are available at OoliteArts.org.

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Oolite Arts is Miami’s leading support organization for visual artists. Founded in 1984, Oolite Arts provides studios, residencies, exhibitions, and funding to help artists while also offering art classes, cinematic programs, and community initiatives that connect the public to the power of creativity. Exhibitions and programs at Oolite Arts are made possible with support from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation; the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs, the Cultural Affairs Council and the Miami-Dade Mayor and Board of County Commissioners; the Florida Department of State, Division of Arts and Culture, the Florida Arts Council; The Jorge M. Pérez Family Foundation at The Miami Foundation; the City of Miami Beach Department of Tourism and Cultural Development, Office of Cultural Affairs, and the Miami Beach Mayor and City Commissioners; the Collective Circle and SHE Collective members; and additional support by Walgreens Company. Oolite Arts is a registered 501(c)(3) organization, and all donations are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law.