Define American Immigrant Creative Fellowship

The world is moved by stories and storytellers. Culture is changed by compelling narratives.

This fellowship supports immigrant creatives working in narrative art forms as they build their professional practice and network. Recognizing the unique hurdles that immigrant creatives in these fields may face, the six fellows selected for the Define American Creative Fellowship will participate in workshops and conversations around furthering their network and impact, be connected with additional resources, and supported in their community engagement efforts.

The Define American Creative Fellowship is open to creatives in narrative-oriented art forms (writing, filmmaking, visual storytelling, theater, illustration, spoken word, digital journalism, etc.) with at least some experience (professional or amateur) in their chosen medium. This program is uniquely suited to supporting artists who have a deep commitment to their local communities and further developing their creative practice as they shape narratives of American identity.

NOTE: In 2021, the fellowship will be all virtual.

Fellows will receive:

$5,000 stipend
Regular coaching check-ins with Define American staff
Professional development workshops and facilitated conversations
Tools to build community collaborations
Introductions to experienced creatives in their field
Opportunity to apply for additional project-based funding
Application process:

Creatives in narrative-oriented art forms (writing, filmmaking, illustration, spoken word, etc.) with some amount of experience in their field.
Immigrant Americans, regardless of current immigration status — undocumented, DACAmented, naturalized citizens, green card holders, refugees, asylum seekers, etc
Creatives that can commit to participating in at least 6–8 90-minute workshops and facilitated conversations
Creatives with a commitment to their local communities
Creatives who will not be enrolled in a degree-seeking program during the length of this fellowship (March – September 2021)
Must be at least 18 years old at time of application
Questions: Please contact the Creative Programs Manager Bethany Wearden (bethany@defineamerican.com).

Requirements

Who Should Apply?

Creatives in narrative-oriented art forms (writing, filmmaking, illustration, spoken word, etc.) with some amount of experience in their field.
Immigrant Americans, regardless of current immigration status — undocumented, DACAmented, naturalized citizens, green card holders, refugees, asylum seekers, etc
Creatives that can commit to participating in at least 6–8 90-minute workshops and facilitated conversations
Creatives with a commitment to their local communities
Creatives who will not be enrolled in a degree-seeking program during the length of this fellowship (March – September 2021)
Must be at least 18 years old at time of application
Questions: Please contact the Creative Programs Manager Bethany Wearden (bethany@defineamerican.com).

Application Instructions

Please review the full fellowship expectations before applying
Complete application form and upload portfolio
Finalists will be contacted by email to schedule a phone interview in February
Application deadline: January 18