What is LEAF?
The Longfellow Emerging Artist Fellowship (LEAF) is a yearlong program from One Longfellow Square designed to support the artistic and professional growth of Maine-based musicians who identify as emerging artists.
LEAF launched in 2026 with an inaugural cohort of five Maine artists, bringing together financial support, professional development, mentorship, performance opportunities, practical resources, and connection to Maine’s music community. Through monthly sessions, hands-on experience, a weekend retreat, and opportunities to perform and engage with audiences throughout the year, Fellows are given space to invest in their work while building skills and relationships that can support what comes next.
LEAF recognizes that there is no single path to a career in music, and that “emerging” can mean something different for every artist. The program is designed to meet Fellows where they are while helping each artist identify their own goals and the tools, knowledge, and connections that can help them move forward.
Our Mission
LEAF was created to address some of the very real challenges musicians face in building sustainable creative careers. Artists need opportunities to perform, but they also need time, financial resources, professional guidance, strong networks, practical knowledge, and room to experiment and grow.
By bringing those pieces together over the course of a full year, LEAF aims to help Fellows better understand the many sides of a career in music, strengthen how they present and advocate for their work, and build relationships that extend beyond the fellowship itself.
At the same time, LEAF is an investment in Maine’s larger music community. By connecting artists with one another and with venues, presenters, mentors, industry professionals, community organizations, and audiences, we hope to contribute to a stronger and more sustainable music ecosystem across the state.
Designed with Intention
LEAF was built thoughtfully and deliberately, shaped by years of conversations with musicians, venue operators, presenters, industry professionals, and others across Maine’s music community. We listened closely to the challenges artists face when building a career in music, where support was falling short, and what resources and opportunities could make a meaningful difference.
Those conversations became the foundation for LEAF.
Our inaugural cohort launched in 2026, but that process of listening continues. As LEAF grows, we’ll continue learning from our Fellows and community, refining the program with the same care and responsiveness that went into creating it.
Timeline
- Applications Open: September 15, 2026
- Application Deadline: October 9, 2026
- Notification of Artist Selection: Early January, 2027
- Fellowship Begins: March 2027
- Fellowship Ends: February 2028
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Longfellow Emerging Artist Fellowship, applicants must:
- Be a current Maine resident at the time of application and throughout the fellowship period.
- Be 18 years of age or older at the time of application.
- Identify as an “emerging” artist. While we understand this term can be subjective, we are looking for artists who are early in their professional music career, are developing their unique voice, and demonstrate significant potential for growth and impact. This typically means you are not yet widely recognized nationally or internationally, have not regularly performed in rooms/venues exceeding a capacity of 50-100, and are actively seeking opportunities for professional development and exposure.
- Be available on the second Monday of each month from 6pm-8pm throughout the duration of the LEAF year (March 2027-February 2028)
- Demonstrate a commitment to their musical practice and a clear vision for how the fellowship will support their artistic development.
- Be available to participate in fellowship activities within the Greater Portland area and across the state of Maine, which may include mentorship sessions, workshops, an artist retreat, and public performances/presentations throughout the fellowship period.
Application Review Process
Submitted LEAF applications will undergo a thorough review, beginning with staff verification for completeness and adherence to the above eligibility criteria. Following this initial stage, each application will be reviewed and scored by at least two members of a diverse, volunteer panel of arts and culture professionals and OLS community members.