BIPOC CRITICS LAB

The Public Theater is thrilled to announce a new partnership between cultural critic Jose Solís’ BIPOC Critics Lab, Critical Minded, and The Public Theater. After successful cohorts for the past two years, The Public is honored to continue Solís’ commitment to creating an educational space for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) writers in the realm of cultural criticism.

This season is made even more special by Critical Minded’s sponsorship of the 2025-26 cohort at The Public. Critical Minded is a grantmaking and learning initiative whose work is focused on resourcing and raising the visibility of critics of color and cultural writers through direct support to publications and individuals, research, and convening. Like the BIPOC Critics Lab, the organization has long been committed to removing barriers and expanding opportunities for critics of color through reporting, funding, and bringing creators together.

Applications are now open for the upcoming cohort. The deadline to apply is Monday, July 7 at 11:59PM.

Sessions for the Lab will span the course of The Public’s 2025-26 season, with 10 weekly sessions in the Fall, followed by four monthly sessions in the Spring. Those chosen to participate will receive offers to join the cohort in August, with the cohort officially beginning in mid-September. This iteration of the cohort will be a hybrid model of online sessions and optional in-person activities. Participants who meet the attendance requirements will be assigned a future commissioned piece with compensation.

Please reach out to BIPOCCriticsLab@publictheater.org for any inquiries.

Application Instructions