Antebi receives prestigious MacDowell Fellowship

The Vertically Integrated Projects (VIP) team is proud to highlight Nicole Antebi, whose leadership and creative vision continue to shape the Wonder Studio Biosphere 2 VIP Team. Alongside her role as Assistant Professor at the University of Arizona School of Art, she has been awarded a prestigious MacDowell Fellowship for Spring/Summer 2026.
Selected from more than 2,600 applicants, Nicole is among just 135 artists worldwide chosen for this highly competitive residency an exciting and well-earned recognition of her work.
During her time at MacDowell, she will develop an animated essay exploring “the hug” as both a visual and political gesture. The project draws from powerful moments in El Paso and is informed by the “Hugs Not Walls” initiative led by the Border Network for Human Rights, highlighting the human impact of border policies and the resilience of connection.
What makes Nicole’s work especially meaningful is how she bridges storytelling, animation, and real-world context. Through Wonder Studio, she continues to advance innovative approaches that connect art, science, and environmental change in ways that resonate across communities.
This recognition is a strong reflection of her impact as a leader, educator, and artist and we’re excited to see what she creates next.

Learn more here https://art.arizona.edu/antebi-receives-prestigious-macdowell-fellowship/

Learn more about Wonder Studio VIP Team here https://uavip.arizona.edu/biosphere-2-wonder-studio-visual-storytelling…