Past Guggenheim Applicant Student Reviews

"Working with Brainard on the Guggenheim Fellowship was a big investment for an artist on a budget, but it was money well spent. I have applied for many types of grants and applications over the years, relying on feedback from various friends and family. However, getting a fresh perspective on my concepts and portfolio choices, and hearing from his 'frontline' experience was like re-charging the whole process. While waiting for the results, I used selections for a local state artist grant and won, so I already have benefitted."

Julia H Townsend

"It is an honor to highly recommend working with Mr. Brainard Carey in writing for the Guggenheim application. Brainard and his team provided critical guidance on the strategy, presentation materials, and refinement of my bio and story. The result has given me renewed confidence in my art practice's communication approach, a priceless experience!

- Rose Freeland

"Brainard Carey was a truly wonderful guide for navigating the process of applying for a Guggenheim Fellowship. His support works on several levels. He has years of experience and success working deep within the art world, and he brought the fullness of that experience to helping me through the application process in terms of knowing exactly what the judges would want to see for all aspects of the application and providing the kind of intellectual rigor and emotional support needed for taking such a leap. Win or lose, the experience was worth every penny. Now I have a narrative about my project and artist's statement that I can use and modify in minutes for other applications for shows, residencies and grants. I can not recommend Brainard and his work highly enough."

- Hillary Johnson

"My experience working with Brainard went very well. He had good pointers for me and I’ll be using his advice as I apply for future applications. Many thanks Brainard"

- Robert Straight

"My experience working with Brainard Carey on the most recent Guggenheim application was excellent.
His deep knowledge of this grant application process was immediately evident as he guided me step by step through each phase of the application. From the initial narrative and future goals to help with selecting images along with monitoring deadline dates Brainard's help and guidance was immeasurable. I highly recommend working with Brainard when applying for the Guggenheim Grant."

-Judith Mullen

"For those who are very serious about their application for a Guggenheim Fellowship, Brainard
Carey can provide an invaluable companion along the way. With much previous knowledge regarding
this grant, he can provide help and guidance at every turn, thus bringing one’s application to a refined
and well-focused form. He made himself readily available to me throughout the process. He contoured
my career information and goals into an extremely well-focused conclusion.“

-Dara Birnbaum [2021 Winner]

"Participating in Brainard Cary’s mentorship program for the Guggenheim Fellowship proved to be sound decision for the development of my career. The process was incredibly rewarding, especially as a woman artist who is often inundated with self-doubt. The guidance I received in writing the career narrative helped me organize and clearly see the history and trajectory of my work. Brainard provided thoughtful feedback and a meticulous eye in editing. He was attentive and maintained excellent communication, all during the extraordinary times of a global pandemic. In addition to now holding a highly polished, formal document that I will continue to use when writing about my art, the greatest outcome I received was a renewed sense of drive and purpose in my work, which is ultimately invaluable."

- Sarah Stolar

"After comparing the earlier versions with of the narrative and statement of plans with the final version, I was amazed at how professional everything looked. Brainard also helped me with choosing the images of my paintings and narrowing down the best ones to submit. I am so happy that I hired Brainard Carey to help me with applying for the grant. Not only did it help me feel confident when applying for the Guggenheim Fellowship Grant, it gave me confidence to use this as a guide to apply for other grants in the future.

-Yoichiro Yoda