The writers’ colony
Mara Brock Akil
DEADLINE: March 5, 2025
INFO: The Writers’ Colony is an in-person residency for burgeoning creative talent in West Adams, Los Angeles. They offer a place to write, with no other requirements except to transact with one’s own voice.
They currently seek applications for their Spring 2025 cohort. Four writers will be announced by March 26th.
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2025 Summer Institute on Environmental Justice
Black Midwest Initiative (University of Illinois Chicago)
DEADLINE: March 7, 2025
INFO: The Black Midwest Initiative (BMI) at the University of Illinois Chicago invites applications from early-career scholars, artists, and community organizers to its 2025 Summer Institute on Environmental Justice. This convening will bring together 15 participants, designated as BMI Fellows, who are doing work around environmental justice issues affecting Black people and communities within the Midwest and Rust Belt regions of the United States for a week-long series of discussions, presentations, and workshops with leading figures in the field. In alignment with environmental sociologist and Institute facilitator David Pellow, we conceive of environmental racism as a “form of violent control over bodies, space, and knowledge systems.” Accordingly, we define the parameters of the environmental justice issues applicants might propose to address broadly—from urban agriculture, toxic emissions, natural disasters, and climate change to carcerality, housing instability, residential segregation, community health and wellness, and beyond.
After the conclusion of the Institute, each Fellow will also work to develop a project, individually or in collaboration with one or more other Fellows, that will be incorporated into the Black Midwest Justice Hub (the HUB)—a digital platform we will launch in the fall of 2026 that will serve as a resource repository for the BMI Environmental Justice Collaboratory, a set of environmental justice courses that will be taught across multiple midwestern colleges and universities during the 2026-27 academic year. HUB projects may ultimately take any number of forms that can be accessed digitally, including but not limited to short films, virtual exhibits, traditional academic papers, storymaps, graphic notes, sound recordings, oral histories, interviews, and introductory essays or lectures.
INSTITUTE FACILITATORS:
Erika Allen, Urban Growers Collective
Adrienne Brown, University of Chicago
Lydia Marie Hicks, Black Eden Arts Alliance
Fayola Jacobs, University of Minnesota
Tonika Lewis Johnson, UnBlocked Englewood
David Pellow, UC Santa Barbara
LaShawnda Crowe Storm, Indianapolis, Indiana
Monica M. White, University of Wisconsin-Madison
ELIGIBILITY:
Emerging artists of all genres (including filmmakers, dancers, poets, and other literary, visual, sound, and performance artists), community organizers and activists, graduate students, junior faculty, adjunct and non-tenure track faculty, independent scholars, and postdoctoral scholars whose work deeply engages with environmental justice issues affecting Black communities in the Midwest or Rust Belt regions of the United States (ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, KANSAS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEBRASKA, NORTH DAKOTA, OHIO, SOUTH DAKOTA, WISCONSIN).
DETAILS OF PARTICIPATION:
Fellows from outside of the Chicago area will be expected to arrive in Chicago on Sunday, July 20, with departure scheduled for the morning of Saturday, July 26. Most days of the Institute will feature a morning session during which facilitators will discuss their work with the Fellows and an afternoon session during which the Fellows will present their work to the group. There will also be a site visit during the week to a location TBA that is engaging critical EJ work in the Chicago metro area. Fellows will be expected to attend all sessions, including the site visit and final group dinner, to complete any readings or screenings assigned by the facilitators, and to prepare a presentation of their work to be shared during one of the afternoon sessions. The Summer Institute will be hosted at the UIC Institute for the Humanities, and all sessions will be held in person.
Each Fellow will receive up to $500 toward their travel expenses to attend the Summer Institute. Lodging will be provided in UIC campus housing for all Fellows coming from outside of the Chicago area. Breakfast and lunch will be provided each day of the Institute, as well as dinner on Friday. After the conclusion of the Summer Institute, each participant will receive a $1000 stipend to be used toward the costs associated with their HUB project.
APPLICATION:
The BMI Summer Institute Application requires a 500-word project statement and a 5-page cv or resume.
Applicants will be notified of decisions by April 10.
QUESTIONS?
Please feel free to email theblackmidwest@gmail.com with any questions.
theblackmidwest.com/summer-institute
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2025-2026 emerging writer fellowship
GrubStreet (Boston, MA)
DEADLINE: March 10, 2025
INFO: The Emerging Writer Fellowship aims to develop new, exciting voices by providing three writers per year tuition-free access to GrubStreet’s classes and several key publishing/industry events. Over the course of one year, each Emerging Writer Fellow will attend a combination of seminars and multi-week courses of their choosing, along with a wide selection of other topical programming, in order to enhance their understanding of craft and the publishing industry.
We hope that this year's fellows will be able to join us in-person for classes and events. Priority will be given to applicants who will be able to join us in Boston.
OVERVIEW: The Emerging Writer Fellowship will be awarded to three writers who demonstrate a passion for writing, a commitment to developing their writing abilities, and financial need. Any person 18 and older who demonstrates ability and passion for writing is eligible.
The Emerging Writer Fellowship will provide access to each of the following:
5 multi-week courses
5 three-hour seminars
Access to key annual industry events and other craft-related programs.
Access to GrubStreet's Artistic Director and/or other program staff members for quarterly (or as-needed) office hours for personalized mentorship. (Optional)
At the end of the program, fellows will also receive a complimentary one-year GrubStreet membership so they can continue enjoying extra community perks even after their program year ends.
The fellowship year begins in May.
WHO SHOULD APPLY: This fellowship is open to anyone 18 and older with a passion for writing. The fellowship specifically aims to assist writers in need of financial assistance in reaching their writing goals. We particularly encourage writers of color, ethnic minorities, those who identify as LGBTQ+, people with disabilities, and other members of communities historically underrepresented by the literary community to apply.
WHY WE CREATED THIS FELLOWSHIP: Over the years, GrubStreet encountered more and more people who loved to write but didn't have the money to invest in a creative writing education that would help advance their craft or give them a thoughtful introduction to the publishing world. As part of its mission to make sure that voices of every type and talent are heard, GrubStreet developed the Emerging Writer Fellowship to eliminate some of the financial barriers to entry. Through this program, we hope to connect writers to a literary world – a world made richer and more relevant with the contribution of these voices.
In the program's first year, we were able to offer one fellowship to one student. As of the 2018-2019 cycle, we were able to begin offering a second fellowship in memory of novelist Anita Shreve, longtime board member and dear friend of GrubStreet. Thanks to the generous support of our donors, we now offer three fellowships each year.
HOW TO APPLY:
The Emerging Writer Fellowship Application Form will require the following:
A sample of your writing that demonstrates your artistic style and voice. 5-10 pages for prose, screenwriting, or playwriting. 3-7 pages for poetry.
A personal statement—no more than 500 words please!—which should include the following:
How you envision using the fellowship.
A description of your relationship to writing. By this we mean: what excites you about it? What does it mean to you personally?
How the fellowship will help you in your growth and success as a writer.
Your writing and workshop history (Note: Prior workshop experience at GrubStreet is not required).
The Fellowship year begins in May.
All applicants can expect to hear back by early May.
grubstreet.org/write/emerging-writer-fellowship
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LGBTQIA+ Literary Success Grants
Georgia Writers
DEADLINE: March 10, 2025 BY 11:59 pm ET
INFO: Georgia Writers’ LGBTQIA+ Literary Success Grants, modeled on our John Lewis Grants, are designed to encourage and amplify the voices of LGBTQIA+ youth (18-24) in Georgia. At a time when the country possesses a record number of anti-LGBTQ legislation (400+ bills and counting), we believe it is our responsibility to promote positive stories of queer life in the South. By promoting young queer voices state- and nationwide, we offer models for success that all young queer people in the state of Georgia can aspire to.
Generously supported by the Alliance for Full Acceptance (AFFA), the LGBTQIA+ Literary Success Grants will be awarded annually in the categories of fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and screenwriting. The purpose of the grants is to elevate, encourage, and inspire the voices of young queer writers in Georgia.
THE GRANTS:
Winners in each genre will receive:
A grant of $500 to give a reading at our Red Clay Writers Conference
A scholarship to the next annual Red Clay Writers Conference
QUALIFICATIONS:
Applicants must be 18 - 24 years of age and emerging writers who are queer residents of Georgia for at least one year, or full-time students at a Georgia college or university at the time of application and on the date of the award.
Applicants are ineligible if they have published more than one traditionally published book. Promising writers without publication will be considered. Writers who are eligible may apply annually but may only win a grant once. There is no submission fee to enter.
Applications will be reviewed anonymously.
Applicants are ineligible if they are of relations to any of the Georgia Writers staff or board of directors.
APPLICATION PROCESS:
Writers may apply in only one genre and must submit the following:
A completed grant application
An essay of no more tha 500 words as a concise description of your work and goals as a writer. Please tell us what inspires or challenges your writing career.
No more than a ten-page writing sample of a published or unpublished piece in the genre in which you are applying--fiction, non-fiction, poetry, or screenwriting. If submitting poetry, one poem per page please.
Please format your manuscript: 12 pt. font, double-spaced, name and page number on each page.
georgiawriters.org/literarysuccess
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THE WRITERS LAB INTERNATIONAL
The Writers Lab
DEADLINES / FEES:
Early - March 10, 2025 ($50)
Regular - April 1, 2025 ($65)
Late - April 8, 2025 ($80)
INFO: TWL Int’l (formerly known as TWL US) is a retreat in New York City focusing on craft and career development for women and nonbinary screenwriters 40+.
The Writers Lab Int’l 2025 is a four-day retreat, conducted in-person in New York City. Writers undergo deep development work on their projects in one-on-one and group sessions, with revision guidance and career support from the experienced TWL team and some of the industry’s best writers and producers. Shared meals and group activities provide an opportunity for broader conversations and creative exchange. Writers selected to participate are expected to provide their own transportation to and from New York City. TWL provides accommodation and food at the retreat venue.
The Writers Lab Int’l is produced by co-founders Elizabeth Kaiden and Nitza Wilonand is presented in collaboration with the Writers Guild of America East, with in-kind support from The Black List, Falco Ink, Film Fatales, New York Women in Film & Television and Roadmap Writers.
The Writers Lab, Inc. is a 501(c)3 non-profit institution supported by Meryl Streep, Nicole Kidman, Natalie Portman, the Cornelia T. Bailey Foundation, the Lynch Hall Charitable Fund and the Lisa Cleff Kurtz & Michael Kurtz Foundation.
BENEFITS:
Participating writers gain:
Individualized feedback, insights and guidance on their selected project and their craft;
Understanding of industry standards, practices, expectations and predilections, and strategies and resources for navigating them;
Extensive ongoing alumnae support, including a community of peers and a network of relationships that can extend well beyond the program;
Exposure and opportunities beyond the Lab;
Resources and year-round supplemental programming of The Writers Lab.
The Lab aims to build skills, confidence and community, and to prepare writers for collaborative work and market demands.
The Writers Lab network of producing, partnering and supporting entities has included:
TWL co-founders Elizabeth Kaiden and Nitza Wilon.
New York Women in Film & Television, The Writers Guild of America East, The Black List, Falco Ink, Film Fatales and Roadmap Writers.
Untamed Stories and producers Julia Berg and Ruth Spencer; the Female Eye Film Festival and Firecracker Department.
Mentors & Speakers: Anne Carey (20th Century Women), Fernanda Coppel (Queen of the South), Anya Epstein (The Affair), Susan Cartsonis (What Women Want), Lisa Cortés (Precious), Amy Fox (The Conners), Daniela Gonzalez (Good Fear Content), Pamela Gray (A Walk on the Moon), Rita Hsaio (Mulan), Melissa James Gibson (House of Cards), Jennifer Kassabian (Carter), Meg LeFauve (Inside Out), Robina Lord-Stafford (Moonshine), Amenya Makuku (Madeline's Madeline), Riva Marker (Beasts of No Nation), Leah Meyerhoff (Film Fatales, I Believe in Unicorns), Gina Prince-Blythewood (The Woman King), Erica Saleh (One of Us is Lying), Tracey Scott Wilson (The Americans), Susan Seidelman (Desperately Seeking Susan), Mary Jane Skalski (The Station Agent), Kiwi Smith (Legally Blonde), Shelby Stone (The Chi), Robin Swicord (Memoirs of a Geisha), Frida Torresblanco (Pan's Labyrinth), Pat Verducci (True Crime), Anna Winger(Unorthodox), Jamie Zelermyer (Focus Features).
writers.coverfly.com/competitions/view/the-writers-lab-intl
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TV Writing Mentorship Program
Shore Scripts
DEADLINES:
Early – March 14, 2025
Regular – April 11, 2025
Final – May 16, 2025
INFO: Our TV Writing Mentorship Program isn't your typical screenwriting contest. It's a game-changing experience that will level up your TV writing career.
8 Weeks of high-impact sessions with Showrunner Beth Schwartz (ARROW), Dev Exec Duane Luu (NBCUniversal), David Katsman (Sugar23) and more will help prepare you to get staffed, gain representation, and get your pilot in the marketplace while offering invaluable behind-the-scenes knowledge of working in TV.
shorescripts.com/tv-pilot-contest/
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BAYARD RUSTIN RESIDENCY
Penington Friends House (New York City)
DEADLINE: March 15, 2025
INFO: Building on the social activist history of Penington’s founders, original board, and later residents, the Bayard Rustin Residency at Penington Friends House (PFH) is envisioned as an ongoing ladder to empowerment for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) working to end Systemic Racism and to create a culture of anti-Racism and intersectional equality in the United States of America. It is also intended to extend and strengthen the wider Quaker witness to equality.
Beginning in September of 2025, this residency will provide up to one year of room and board to a person who demonstrates a strong project that addresses ending Systemic Racism and who has a necessity to be in New York City for up to one year. They will reside at the Penington Friends House located in New York City’s Lower East Side of Manhattan. The Bayard Rustin Resident will demonstrate a need to live in Manhattan. Areas of focus of their work can include activism in the arts, policy change, human rights, community organizing, and other areas of activism focusing on ending racism and strengthening equality. Residents will meet regularly with the Residency Manager and will be expected to share their progress with the New York City community in the form of presentations or workshops.
The resident does not have to be Quaker but their work should be shaped by and in harmony with our tenets of Simplicity, Peace, Integrity, Community, Equality, and Stewardship. The resident will be expected to be a full-time resident of PFH and be participating member of this intentional community. This includes eating chef prepared dinners with the other residents and participating in shared light house chores. ( 1 1/2 hour commitment per week on average.) The Penington Friends House’s approach to living collaboratively may be new to you. We encourage to look at our website and instagram account (@Penington_friends_house) to gain a better understanding of what we are. Feel free to call us as well with questions. We are LGBTQ embracing community. We believe Black Lives Matter. We are always working to be a safe space and an anti-racist community.
Resident selection is made through a BIPOC committee of Quakers and non-Quakers and is based on the strength of the applicants work and proposed project. Final approval of the Bayard Rustin resident is made by the Penington Friends House Residents and staff, in the same interview process that all other residents are approved to live at the Penington. Applicants should note that the Bayard Rustin Resident bedroom is on the 4th floor of an historic Brownstone. An elevator is not available. Bathrooms are shared with other floor residents. This residency covers the cost of rent, boarding (food) provided 5 nights a week, internet, cable, and heat/AC. Limited access ( starting at 3:30PM weekedays) to a studio space may be available. A stipend is NOT currently provided by this residency.
Here are a few types of artists and activists activities that we would be interested in considering. Please contact us before applying if you are not sure your project would fit our call. Questions can be directed to Todd Drake at outreach at penington dot org.
An artist working on a body of art that addresses racism and/or intersectional issues.
A writer working on a new book, play, screenplay, or collection that addresses racism and/or intersectional issues.
A performer creating a new dance piece that addresses racism and/or intersectional issues.
A community based artist designing or carrying out a community based project that addresses racism and/or intersectional issues.
An activist organizing communities to address racism and/or intersectional issues.
A social entrepreneur that is starting a non-profit focused on addressing racism and/or intersectional issues.
An inventor or designer working on solving a problem associated with systemic racism and/or intersectional issues.
A graduate student that has a strong and well defined anti-racism project that needs support and time to launch.
BACKGROUND: The residency is named after Bayard Rustin who was a Quaker and an attender at 15th Street Monthly Meeting in New York City. This meeting (Quaker house of worship) is next to the Penington Friends House. Rustin worked commitedly for the Civil Rights Movement in the United States. He was an advisor to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on nonviolence. Rustin was also a chief organizer of the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom and a founding member of the Freedom Riders. He was an early advocate for gay rights. Rustin’s later work included a heavy focus on refugee affairs. Rustin served as Vice Chairman of the International Rescue Committee, helped to found the National Emergency Coalition for Haitian Refugees, and was Chairman of the Executive Committee of Freedom House. He died in 1987. In 2013, President Barack Obama posthumously awarded Rustin the Presidential Medal of Freedom. ( Source rustinfund.org)
We are currently accepting applications for the 2025-2026 Bayard Rustin Residency. This is our 5th Bayard Residency.
The Bayard Rustin Residency is supported with funds from the Society of Friends (Quakers) New York Yearly Meeting, the New York Quarterly Meeting, the Brooklyn Monthly Meeting, the Mertz-Gilmore Foundation, and the Board of Penington Friends House. Donations are currently being accepted.
penington.org/rustin-residency/
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Series Scriptwriters Program
National Hispanic Media Coalition (NHMC)
DEADLINE: March 17, 2025 by 11:59pm PT
INFO: NHMC’s Series Scriptwriters Program has yielded much success for nearly 20 years. Fellows have gone on to work in shows on HBO, Netflix, ViacomCBS, NBCUniversal, Walt Disney Television and many more.
ELIGIBILITY:
You must be 18 years or older.
You must have access to reliable internet connection to participate in daily video conferencing.
You must apply as an individual. (No writing teams)
*Please note all classes are conducted in Pacific Standard Time.
PROGRAM DATES: 5/27/25 – 7/19/25
This program is virtual, to run Monday-Friday evenings (6-8pm PST), and Saturday mornings (11am-3pm PST) over the course of the 8 weeks. Participation in all meetings is mandatory.
Aspiring Latinx writers with a strong desire to write for streaming & television are encouraged to apply!
REQUIRED APPLICATION CRITERIA:
Resume (maximum 1 page) - Please submit a current professional resume. Make sure to include any relevant writing experience. However, this is not exclusively a writing resume, do include any experience that you feel enhances what you bring to the table as a writer even if it’s not directly writing-related.
Bio (maximum 200 words) - Think of your Bio and Statement of Purpose as non-fiction writing samples. These are equally as important as your script in giving us a sense of your unique voice. With your bio, think of it as part of what you might say in your elevator pitch about yourself. Tell us a story about who you are beyond what you have included on your resume.
Statement of Purpose (maximum 500 words) - Use this section to answer the following questions: Why do you write? What motivates you to tell those stories? What is your personal connection to your material? Why is writing for the small screen your passion?
List of Writing Samples Please provide a list of your completed writing samples - title and logline (1-2 sentences max) only. On this list please include reference to any pilots, specs, features, shorts, short stories, published articles, etc, which you’ve written. If any of the work was with a writing partner or team, make note of which items were written as a collaboration. Note: All samples you list should be work you feel is polished enough to be read by execs, showrunners, etc.
Writing Sample - Please submit a properly formatted pilot or spec script.
We will accept the following:
1-hour (max 59 pages)
Half-hour (max 35 pages)
Your sample can be any genre including, but not limited to:
Drama
Dramedy
Comedy
Animation
Writing Samples NOT Accepted:
Features
Short Film script
Novels
Plays
Poems
Any other alternative samples
Logline (1-2 sentences) - This is a brief summary of your script that establishes the main character, what obstacles they have to overcome in pursuit of what they want, and gives us a sense of the hook of your story.
FAQ’s:
Q: Do I have to be Latino to apply?
A: No, the program is open to people of all races and ethnicities.
Q: Is the NHMC Series Scriptwriters Program open to all ages?
A: No, you must be at least 18 years of age to participate in the program.
Q: How much does it cost to apply?
A: Thanks to our sponsors, the NHMC Series Scriptwriter's Program is a completely free program from the application to the program itself.
Q: Do you have to be a U.S. Citizen to apply to the program?
A: No.
Q: What kind of writing sample should be submitted? Is there a length restriction? Can I submit more than one?
A: Please submit a properly formatted pilot or spec script. We will accept the following:
- 1 hour (max 59 pages)
- Half-hour (max 35 pages)
Your sample can be any genre including, but not limited to:
- Drama
- Dramedy
- Comedy
- Animation
Only ONE writing sample can be submitted.
Q: Will the judges provide feedback on the work that I submit for my application?
A: Due to the amount of applications received, judges are unable to provide feedback on submitted work.
Q: Will you return my application materials that were submitted if I am not accepted?
A: No, any materials submitted will not be returned to the owner.
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The McKnight Media Artist Fellowships (for emerging media artists residing in minesota)
FilmNorth / McKnight Foundation
DEADLINE: March 24, 2025
INFO: FilmNorth is excited to collaborate with the McKnight Foundation to offer four $25,000 fellowships and public recognition of media artists beyond the stage of emerging who reside and work within the state of Minnesota. This is not a project-specific grant.
Founded on the belief that Minnesota thrives when its artists and culture bearers thrive, the McKnight Foundation’s arts and culture program is one of the oldest and largest of its kind in the country. Support for individual working Minnesota artists and culture bearers has been a cornerstone of the program since it began in 1982. The McKnight Artist & Culture Bearer Fellowships Program provides annual, unrestricted cash awards to outstanding mid-career Minnesota artists in 15 different creative disciplines. Program partner organizations administer the fellowships and structure them to respond to the unique challenges of different disciplines. Currently, the foundation contributes about $2.8 million per year to its statewide fellowships (for more information, visit mcknight.org/artistfellowships).
These fellowships are designed for individuals with a demonstrated and sustained commitment to media arts (see eligibility below for qualifying mediums), showcasing artistic excellence and exhibiting a high level of proficiency in their craft. In addition to the $25,000 unrestricted award in support of their creative work and practice, McKnight Media Artist Fellows will receive:
Public acknowledgment of their award and career accomplishments through the website, email, and various social media platforms
Opportunities to meet with local and national art professionals
Organization and promotion of a year-end public discussion panel and celebration featuring the fellows
Financial assistance toward attending professional conferences and events
Professional headshot services
Tailored professional support consultations tendered by Springboard For The Arts
Invitation to the annual McKnight Fellows Event held at the Foundation
One-year FilmNorth membership offered at no cost
Four complimentary classes through FilmNorth during the fellowship year
Aligned with our Theory Of Change, FilmNorth warmly invites artists from diverse backgrounds and lived experiences to apply, recognizing and celebrating the wealth of perspectives and experiences they bring to our programs.
TIMELINE & PROCEDURE
Important Dates:
2/3/25 Applications Open
2/12/25 How-to-Apply Workshop (Virtual FilmNorth 6:00pm - 7:00pm CST)
3/24/25 Application Submission Deadline (5:00pm CST)
Mid-June 2025 Fellowships Announced
3/27/2025 Application Feedback Deadline
We’re excited to share that the dates and times for our upcoming McKnight Media Artist Fellowship events will be announced soon! Stay tuned for more details.
SELECTION PROCESS: The screenwriting fellowship will be selected by a single juror, while the three non-screenwriting fellowships will be jointly selected by a panel of three jurors.
The specific criteria that the jurors use to select the fellows are consistent artistic excellence and merit, clarity and uniqueness of vision, professional accomplishment, and commitment.
AWARDMENT: Recipients of the McKnight Media Arts Fellowship are granted the flexibility to determine the disbursement schedule for $24,000 of the award. The initial disbursement can be received in full or split over two calendar years, with some fellows opting for the latter to manage tax considerations. The remaining $1,000 will be awarded in June of the following year, contingent upon the submission of a final report capturing their fellowship experience. It is essential to note that all awards are subject to adherence to state and federal income tax guidelines.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA:
☑ Eligible applicants categorize themselves as one of the following designations:
Writers in film, television, and streaming
Directors in film, television, and streaming
Podcast and radio artists
Interactive and virtual reality creative artists
Creative artists specializing in web, computer, video, and interactive games
Creative artists specializing in emerging forms of media
☑ Establish or sustain residency in Minnesota for a minimum of one year before the application deadline and throughout the fellowship year.
☑ Qualify as an artist beyond the stage of emerging, as defined below, showcasing a body of work that consistently reflects artistic excellence, a clear and unique vision, professional achievements, and commitment.
To demonstrate that you are beyond the stage of an emerging artist, you must:
Have a minimum of five years of experience as a practicing artist.
Present documentation verifying recognition in your designated field.
If you are submitting as a writer in film, television, and streaming you must present evidence of one of the following acknowledgements:
A feature-length screenplay or a television script that has been produced or optioned for production by an entity other than yourself or one under your ownership. Moreover, the said production company must possess a minimum of one produced feature film or television credit.
Achievement of semi-finalist, finalist, or winner status in a national screenwriting competition outside of Minnesota (e.g., Nicholl, Austin, Slamdance, etc.).
Hold membership in the Writers' Guild of America.
If you are submitting as a director in film, television, and streaming you must present evidence of one of the following acknowledgements:
Validation that your work has been showcased in a minimum of five film festivals, web festivals, or curated exhibitions, with at least one of them being outside of Minnesota.
National or international airing, broadcasting, or distribution (excluding online self-distribution platforms such as YouTube).
Attainment of a minimum of one national accolade (e.g., Spirit Award, Webby, Emmy, Third Coast award, etc.).
If you are submitting as a podcast or radio artist you must present evidence of one of the following acknowledgements:
Validation that your work has been showcased in a minimum of five competitions or curated exhibitions, with at least one of them being outside of Minnesota.
National or international airing, broadcasting, or distribution (excluding online self-distribution platforms such as YouTube).
Attainment of a minimum of one national accolade (e.g., Spirit Award, Webby, Emmy, Third Coast award, etc.).
If you are submitting as a web, computer, video, and interactive game artist you must present evidence of one of the following acknowledgements:
Acknowledgement from a national or international organization, such as the Independent Games Festival. This recognition may take the form of a competition win, festival selection, award, or producer option.
If you are submitting as a creative artist specializing in emerging forms of media:
Please reach out to the program administrator, Rob Ndondo-Lay, and provide details about your specific practice to facilitate the determination of verifying materials.
filmnorth.org/filmmaker-support/mcknight/
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Points North Fellowship
Points North Institute (Camden, ME)
DEADLINE / FEE: March 24, 2025 by 11:59pm ET | $45
INFO: The Points North Fellowship invites up to six teams of early- and mid-career filmmakers to Maine to accelerate the development of their feature documentary, culminating in the public presentation of works-in-progress at the Points North Pitch. The Points North Fellowship aims to strengthen filmmakers’ artistic voices and propel their careers forward by facilitating new relationships with mentors, collaborators and funders. We believe that a strong community of support is vital for independent filmmakers who are taking bold creative risks and expanding the possibilities of documentary cinema.
The Fellowship begins during the week leading up to the annual Camden International Film Festival. In private workshops, Fellows receive rigorous feedback from mentors and peers as they practice their pitches, hone their vision for their film, and develop their funding and distribution strategies. These workshops culminate at the Points North Pitch, where each team pitches their project to leading funders, broadcasters, producers and distributors before a live audience – both in-person and streaming online.
In the weeks after the fellowship week, the filmmaking teams will have an opportunity to be paired for virtual industry meetings with key industry members, distributors, and programmers to help bridge critical gaps and build relationships with decision makers within the industry. In addition, leading up to and in the weeks after the pitch, fellows will get tailored advertisement and mentorship from the Points North team to help advise on the goals and strategies around their projects.
This program has continued to be a cornerstone of our artist programs, serving as an important launchpad for filmmakers and projects who are taking bold risks on their films, reaffirming our commitment to bridging important gaps between filmmakers and industry.
ELIGIBILITY:
The Points North Fellowship is open to all filmmakers worldwide, regardless of nationality or citizenship status.
Submitted projects must be feature-length, with an intended runtime of 60 minutes or more.
Projects in all stages of production and post-production are accepted. Typically, films either in early development and those about to submit to festivals are not an ideal match for the program.
Applicants must be able to convey a clear vision for the completed film, including story and artistic approach, in the written proposal and in an edited work sample at least 5 minutes in length. (Selected projects will be required to show a 3-4 minute trailer live during the Points North Pitch.)
The Points North Fellowship does NOT support short films, fiction films, educational/advocacy films, or films commissioned by NGOs or brands.
Projects that have not secured access to characters or subjects, and those that aren’t yet ready to articulate a story, structure and themes, are discouraged.
POINTS NORTH FELLOWS WILL RECEIVE:
(1) Round-trip flight to Maine
(2) All Access passes to the Camden International Film Festival
(6) nights of accommodations (one room with a double bed) during the festival
pointsnorthinstitute.org/artist-programs/points-north-fellowship/
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CAPE x TAAF Rising Filmmakers Finishing Fund
Coalition of Asian Pacifics in Entertainment (CAPE) / The Asian American Foundation (TAAF)
DEADLINE: March 31, 2025 at 11:59pm PT
APPLICATION FEE: $0
INFO: The CAPE x TAAF Rising Filmmakers Finishing Fund provides 2 Asian American, Native Hawaiian, or Pacific Islander (AANHPI) filmmakers with $50,000 post-production finishing fund grants for their 2nd to 5th feature film.
The two grantees selected to receive the finishing funds will also receive coveted networking opportunities through the CAPE and TAAF networks, as well as Filmmaker Pro Memberships from Film Independent.
By addressing this crucial step of securing funding for post-debut features, CAPE (Coalition of Asian Pacifics in Entertainment) and The Asian American Foundation (TAAF) aim to support the career longevity of AANHPI filmmakers.
WHAT YOU WILL NEED IN ORDER TO COMPLETE YOUR SUBMISSION:
Links to your director reel, IMDb page, and screener for one previous feature film you directed (of your choice).
A signed release form for your project.
Your project's script, pitch deck, and budget/finance plan (PDF only)
Your project's timeline (text only).
List of cast and crew (text only).
A link to the rough cut of your project, if available.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:
Filmmaker Eligibility:
Applicant’s work should be consistent with CAPE’s mission to champion diversity by educating, connecting, and empowering API artists and leaders in entertainment and media.
Applicant must be at least 18 years old at time of submission.
Applicant must have the legal right to accept paid work in the United States. CAPE/TAAF do not sponsor or assist with visas or immigration. Applying to and/or participating in this Finishing Fund does not and will not create a partnership, joint venture, agency, employment, or any other such relationship between applicant and CAPE/TAAF.
Applicant must have premiered at a festival at least one live-action narrative feature film before the time of submission. All genres accepted.
Teams of up to two co-directors may apply, and in line with CAPE’s mission, those who identify as Asian American, Native Hawaiian, or Pacific Islander are strongly encouraged to apply. Only one director, who meets all grant eligibility requirements, need apply.
Student projects are eligible if applicant meets all eligibility requirements.
Project Eligibility:
Project must be a live-action narrative feature film, which must be applicant's second, third, fourth or fifth feature film. All genres accepted.
Project must be at least 90% (to be determined by CAPE in its sole discretion) through principal photography or in post-production.
Project must be consistent with CAPE’s mission to champion diversity by educating, connecting, and empowering API artists and leaders in entertainment and media.
Project must be spoken or subtitled in English.
GRANT REQUIREMENTS:
CAPE and TAAF logos must be featured in the credits.
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Call for Films By Women of Color
Reel Sisters
DEADLINES:
Early Bird: March 31, 2025
Regular: April 30, 2025
Final: May 27, 2025
INFO: The Reel Sisters of the Diaspora Film Festival & Lecture Series is an annual film festival founded by African Voices magazine. Established in 1997, Reel Sisters (www.reelsisters.org) is dedicated to providing opportunities for women of color to advance their careers in the film industry.Reel Sisters accepts films written, directed, or produced by women/non-binary filmmakers of color.
Reel Sisters is the first Academy Qualifying Film Festival for short narratives devoted to women of color across the globe. Reel Sisters is an IMDb qualifying film festival. Reel Sisters celebrates our 28th Anniversary in 2025. Our festival includes in-person and virtual presentations. The films showcased virtually are in competition for all awards including our Oscar qualifying award. Please note other dates and venues will be added, our festival season begins with our Harlem kick off!
APPLICATION INFO: YOU MUST SUBMIT PRODUCTION STILLS/PHOTOS and a TRAILER for your submission to be ELIGIBLE AND COMPLETE. You can screenshot photos from your film if you were unable to hire a photographer.
Reel Sisters is a competitive festival and films are selected by an independent jury. Please submit films early as deadlines are final. The festival provides quality customer service and does not offer fee waivers. The fee covers a small fraction of the administrative costs for running a professional Oscar qualifying film festival.
Reel Sisters accepts all genres and formats with a special interest in submissions from animated and web series producers. Send us films that will make our audience “cry, dance, laugh, sing and explore." The festival curates events throughout the year so all entries will be considered for Reel Sisters Tea & Cinema series. Join our worldwide community of film professionals in celebrating stories produced, directed and written by women of color!
CASH AWARDS FOR 2025
Best Narrative Short - $1,000
Best Director - $500
Best Screenplay - $300
Best Animation - $200
GENERAL RULES:
TRANSLATION: Your film must be English dubbed or have English subtitles if it is in any other language.
PRODUCTION STILLS & TRAILERS: Please make sure you upload production photos with your submission and a trailer. If you do not have photos, you can screen shot a photo by pausing a scene in your film to create one. Your submission will not be complete without all promotional materials uploaded.
NO WAIVERS: Entry fees cover a small portion of the festival’s administrative costs for processing submissions and are non-refundable. We do not offer waivers.
OUR REFUND POLICY: Our entry fees are non-refundable. It is the responsibility of the filmmaker to read our guidelines and policies to ensure that they are eligible to submit to our festival.
TO SUBMIT A FILM to REEL SISTERS:
Please read our guidelines carefully before submitting your film as we do not issue refunds for entry fees. It is your responsibility to ensure your film meets our criteria and submission guidelines. We rarely accept films longer than 90 minutes. Your film must have a women of color as co-producer, co-director or co-writer, if the lead producer/director is male.
We only accept films via FilmFreeway. PLEASE DO NOT EMAIL US ANY VIDEO LINKS. If you submit to FilmFreeway via a Vimeo link, you must provide a passcode to view. You must make your film downloadable for our production staff if your film is accepted. If you do not make your film downloadable by the requested deadline, your film will not be eligible for consideration. We discourage Youtube links.
Please contact FilmFreeway staff if you have any issues uploading your film and making it downloadable for our production staff if you receive an acceptance letter.
We will need downloadable trailer links from FilmFreeway or Vimeo to help promote your film in our festival. You must submit the trailers and photos with your application. If your materials are not submitted with your application, your film will be disqualified.
Complete the details required, providing brief synopsis of the film, credits, production stills and trailers. We accept photographs in all formats including JPEGs, TIFFs and EPS (electronic photos must be 300 dpi resolution for promotional purposes).
All accepted films will be notified via email. Please make sure ALL of your Contact Information is up-to-date. If your email changed between the time you submitted your film and our Notification Date, please update it ASAP so we can correspond with you.
filmfreeway.com/ReelSistersoftheDiasporaFilmFestival
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Creative Capital Award
Creative Capital
DEADLINE: April 3, 2025
INFO: The Creative Capital Award provides individual artists with unrestricted project grants for the creation of bold, innovative, original, and imaginative new artistic works. In addition to unrestricted project grants from $15,000 up to $50,000, the Award offers transformative professional development support including strategic advising, peer mentorship, industry connections, and community-building opportunities. Grants are awarded via a national, democratic, open call, external review process.
For the 2026 grant cycle, Creative Capital invites professional artists to propose experimental, original, bold new works in Visual Arts, Performing Arts, Film, and Literature. Multidisciplinary, technology, and/or socially engaged projects are welcome in all disciplinary categories. Creative Capital seeks project proposals for formally and/or conceptually innovative works in all disciplines, including, but not limited to, painting, drawing, sculpture, photography, video and multimedia, dance, theater, playwriting, jazz, opera, music, experimental film, documentary and narrative film, poetry, and fiction.
Creative Capital welcomes a full range of artistic approaches and thematic inquiries, including boundary-pushing formal explorations, as well as projects that engage urgent social issues of our time. Creative Capital also seeks new projects or works addressing subjects that Creative Capital has not previously funded. For example, for this grant cycle, Creative Capital also seeks strong visual arts projects dealing with fentanyl, veterans/military, or wealth inequality.
The Creative Capital Award seeks project proposals in the following disciplines:
Visual Arts: architecture & design, craft, drawing & illustration, ecological art, installation, painting & printmaking, performance art, photography, public art, sculpture, social practice, sound art, video art, technology, and socially-engaged visual art
Performing Arts: dance, jazz, multimedia performance, music, musical theater, opera, theater, playwriting, technology, and socially-engaged performing arts
Film: animation, documentary film, experimental film, and narrative film
Literature: fiction, nonfiction, and poetry
A diverse cohort of approximately 50 artists will be selected for the Creative Capital Award through an external review process. Our goal is to support artists and new works across a range of disciplines, themes and ideas, geographic regions, identities, ages, and career stages. See recent Creative Capital Awardees and Projects for 2025, 2024, and 2023.
Creative Capital’s transformative giving approach is built on the principle that artists need funding as well as networks and advisory services in order to realize ambitious projects and build thriving careers. Recipients of the Creative Capital Award receive access to a full range of professional development services over a five-year period. These services include strategic planning, legal and financial advising, marketing and communications strategy, peer mentorship, and industry networking opportunities.
APPLICATION PROCESS:
ROUND I: Project Proposal
Creative Capital welcomes project proposals for original, imaginative, impactful new artistic works in Visual Arts, Performing Arts, Film, and Literature. Multidisciplinary, technology, and/or socially-engaged projects are welcome in every category.
Along with a project title, one line project description (50 words max), project description (500 words max), bio, resume, and artist website (recommended), applicants will answer the following questions:
Creative Capital supports formally and conceptually innovative and experimental work. How does your project idea take an original and imaginative approach to content and form? (150 words / 1,000 characters max)
Place your work in context. What are the main influences upon your work as an artist? How does your past work inform your current project? (150 words / 1,000 character max)
What kind of impact do you hope your project will have, and why? What specific audiences and/or communities will the project engage? (150 words / 1,000 character max)
Creative Capital awards artists at catalytic moments in their careers. How is this a catalytic moment in your practice? How will your proposed project or new work act as a catalyst for your artistic and professional growth? (150 words / 1,000 character max)
Creative Capital provides professional development services and community-building opportunities for awardees and encourages a spirit of mutual generosity and exchange among our artists. How would this support and being part of the Creative Capital community be impactful for you? (150 words / 1,000 character max)
In addition, applicants will submit one (1) work sample from a completed, past work.
Visual Arts applicants will submit one Image Sample or Video Sample.
Performing Arts applicants will submit one Video Sample.
Film applicants will submit one Video Sample.
Literature applicants will submit one Writing Sample.
ROUND II: Project Details
Applicants selected by our external reviewers to advance to Round II will submit additional materials to support their application:
Project itemized budget
Project timeline (1 page)
Work samples (see Application Handbook for guidelines)
Proof of eligibility
ROUND III: Panel Review
Applicants selected by our external reviewers to advance to Round III will be asked to:
Confirm collaborators (if applicable)
Submit project updates (optional, 100 words max)
Full application guidelines are outlined in the Application Handbook.
2026 OPEN CALL APPLICATION TIMESLINE:
These dates may change.
March 3, 2025: Round I application portal opens
April 3, 2025 at 3:00 PM Eastern Time: Round I application deadline
June 2025: Notification of advancement to Round II
September 2025: Notification of advancement to Round III: Final Panel Review
Early 2026: Public announcement of 2026 Creative Capital Awards and State of the Art Prizes
Artist Eligibility
US citizen, permanent legal resident, O-1 visa holder, or Tribal ID holder
At least 25 years old by application deadline
Working artist(s) with at least 5 years of professional artistic practice within their chosen discipline
Applicant may not be enrolled in a degree-granting program
May not apply to the Andy Warhol Foundation Arts Writers Grant program in the same year
May not have previously received a Creative Capital Award
May not be an applicant or collaborator on more than one proposed project per year
State of the Art Prize recipients must be a resident of the state they are awarded in through February 1, 2026. Prize recipients must provide proof of residence in the state or territory to receive the grant.
Projects that are not eligible
Projects whose main purpose is promotional
Project is to fund ongoing operations of existing business or nonprofit organization
Curation or documentation of existing work
Projects that will premiere or be completed before October 1, 2026
FAQs:
Eligibility
Do you fund artist-run nonprofits or businesses?
The Creative Capital Award is specifically designed to support the realization of new artist projects. Creative Capital does not fund nonprofits and artist-run businesses, nor are Creative Capital’s services well-suited to support these kinds of ventures.
Do you fund curatorial projects?
The Creative Capital Award does not support the production of exhibitions. Creative Capital funds new, discrete artistic projects that have one author, director, lead or a core group of collaborating artists.
Do you fund educational projects?
Creative Capital supports artist projects, and does not fund projects that are solely academic. While Creative Capital understands that all art is educational to some degree, if the end goal of your project is to serve a student audience, create a curriculum, or help fund programming for a community center, then the project is ineligible.
I am looking to expand an existing project, should I apply?
Creative Capital is most interested in projects that are in the early stages of development and production, as they can benefit the most from the services that Creative Capital offers. That being said, if you still consider your project to be in development or have only shared the work in workshops or much more condensed versions, you are welcome to apply. Note that Creative Capital does not provide support to projects that are at a stage where they need finishing funds or touring support. Creative Capital asks our reviewers to specifically consider the timeline of development for a project to make sure that Creative Capital can make the most impact on the artist and the final results of their project. If you think that a significantly more evolved version of your project could take form, then the project is eligible.
How do you define five years of professional experience?
Creative Capital defines five years of professional experience as engaging an artistic practice in some public capacity over a cumulative five years. This could be constituted through projects, exhibitions, readings, panel conversations, screenings, interviews, etc.
How do you define student status?
All applicants must have finished any degree-granting educational commitments before applying. This applies to ABD (all but dissertation) status Ph.D. candidates and students in low-residency MFA programs.
Can I apply with multiple projects?
You may only submit one project per award cycle. Artists may not apply as a collaborator on an additional application, as all collaborators are considered awardees.
Application Materials
My work spans multiple disciplines. How do I pick just one?
Creative Capital invites artists to submit their proposals based on which area experts are most suited and qualified to review the project proposal, with the understanding that radical art is often by nature interdisciplinary, multidisciplinary, or antidisciplinary. Choosing a disciplinary category is a way to frame the discussion around your work and to indicate which experts are most qualified to evaluate the project proposal.
How do you define the “Technology” sub-discipline category in Visual Arts and Performing Arts?
Visual Arts and Performing Arts applicants have the option of selecting “Technology” as one of their project’s three sub-disciplines if technology (including but not limited to: games, digital media, artificial intelligence, robotics, AR/VR, internet art, bio art, etc.) plays a significant role in the form of the work.
What kind of non-monetary support does Creative Capital provide?
Creative Capital offers a range of professional development services including strategic planning, legal and financial advising, marketing and communications strategy, industry networking, awardee gatherings, and artist-to-artist connections.
Why do you ask about my hometown?
The hometown question lets us know if you maintain roots that are different from your present location. Creative Capital finds that many people who currently live and work in major cities still identify as coming from another place. If you were born and raised in your current city, please enter your current city.
My application contains sensitive information. How are you going to use this information? Can I submit it another way besides through your application portal?
Creative Capital is only able to receive information through the application portal as this is what reviewers use to access and score submissions. Applications are only shared with select Creative Capital staff and the reviewers who will evaluate the project. You can make note of any sensitive information in the materials or in the title of your work.
Creative Capital Award
What are the award amounts?
The Creative Capital Award amounts range from $15,000 up to $50,000 per project. Creative Capital grants are structured so that the artist(s) may draw down funds over a five-year period.
How many awards will Creative Capital make in this grant cycle?
Creative Capital will award approximately 50 individual artists across a range of disciplines, demographics, and geographic locations.
Can I apply for both the Creative Capital Award and the State of the Art Prize? If so, how?
The State of the Art Prize recipients will be selected from the Creative Capital Award applicants. There is no separate application process.
Is it possible to receive both a Creative Capital Award and State of the Art Prize in the same year?
No. State of the Art Prize recipients are welcome to apply for the Creative Capital Award in future grant cycles. Past recipients of the Creative Capital Award are not eligible to apply for the State of the Art Prize. Recipients of the State of the Art Prize may apply again for the Creative Capital Award, but will not receive the State of Art Prize a second time.
More questions? Email awards@creative-capital.org. No phone calls please.
creative-capital.org/about-the-creative-capital-award
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THE STATE OF THE ART PRIZE
Creative Capital
DEADLINE: April 3, 2025
INFO: Through the 2026 Open Call process for the Creative Capital Award, Creative Capital will also select recipients of the State of the Art Prize, a new national, two-year initiative, which aims to recognize one artist residing in each U.S. state and its territories, with an unrestricted grant of $10,000 per artist. All applicants to the Creative Capital Award will be automatically considered for the State of the Art Prize and will be evaluated for the Prize using the same criteria; there is no separate application process. State of the Art Prize recipients will also have access to a suite of online professional development resources, including the Creative Capital Curriculum and Artist Labs, Artist Opportunities, and online community-building opportunities.
State of the Art Prize recipients may apply again to future open calls for the Creative Capital Award. However, artists who have already received the Creative Capital Award may not apply for the State of the Art Prize. Both the State of the Art Prize and the Creative Capital Award are one-time awards.
APPLICATION PROCESS:
ROUND I: Project Proposal
Creative Capital welcomes project proposals for original, imaginative, impactful new artistic works in Visual Arts, Performing Arts, Film, and Literature. Multidisciplinary, technology, and/or socially-engaged projects are welcome in every category.
Along with a project title, one line project description (50 words max), project description (500 words max), bio, resume, and artist website (recommended), applicants will answer the following questions:
Creative Capital supports formally and conceptually innovative and experimental work. How does your project idea take an original and imaginative approach to content and form? (150 words / 1,000 characters max)
Place your work in context. What are the main influences upon your work as an artist? How does your past work inform your current project? (150 words / 1,000 character max)
What kind of impact do you hope your project will have, and why? What specific audiences and/or communities will the project engage? (150 words / 1,000 character max)
Creative Capital awards artists at catalytic moments in their careers. How is this a catalytic moment in your practice? How will your proposed project or new work act as a catalyst for your artistic and professional growth? (150 words / 1,000 character max)
Creative Capital provides professional development services and community-building opportunities for awardees and encourages a spirit of mutual generosity and exchange among our artists. How would this support and being part of the Creative Capital community be impactful for you? (150 words / 1,000 character max)
In addition, applicants will submit one (1) work sample from a completed, past work.
Visual Arts applicants will submit one Image Sample or Video Sample.
Performing Arts applicants will submit one Video Sample.
Film applicants will submit one Video Sample.
Literature applicants will submit one Writing Sample.
ROUND II: Project Details
Applicants selected by our external reviewers to advance to Round II will submit additional materials to support their application:
Project itemized budget
Project timeline (1 page)
Work samples (see Application Handbook for guidelines)
Proof of eligibility
ROUND III: Panel Review
Applicants selected by our external reviewers to advance to Round III will be asked to:
Confirm collaborators (if applicable)
Submit project updates (optional, 100 words max)
2026 OPEN CALL APPLICATION TIMNLINE:
These dates may change.
March 3, 2025: Round I application portal opens
April 3, 2025 at 3:00 PM Eastern Time: Round I application deadline
June 2025: Notification of advancement to Round II
September 2025: Notification of advancement to Round III: Final Panel Review
Early 2026: Public announcement of 2026 Creative Capital Awards and State of the Art Prizes
Artist Eligibility
US citizen, permanent legal resident, O-1 visa holder, or Tribal ID holder
At least 25 years old by application deadline
Working artist(s) with at least 5 years of professional artistic practice within their chosen discipline
Applicant may not be enrolled in a degree-granting program
May not apply to the Andy Warhol Foundation Arts Writers Grant program in the same year
May not have previously received a Creative Capital Award
May not be an applicant or collaborator on more than one proposed project per year
State of the Art Prize recipients must be a resident of the state they are awarded in through February 1, 2026. Prize recipients must provide proof of residence in the state or territory to receive the grant.
Projects that are not eligible
Projects whose main purpose is promotional
Project is to fund ongoing operations of existing business or nonprofit organization
Curation or documentation of existing work
Projects that will premiere or be completed before October 1, 2026
FAQS:
Eligibility
Do you fund artist-run nonprofits or businesses?
The Creative Capital Award is specifically designed to support the realization of new artist projects. Creative Capital does not fund nonprofits and artist-run businesses, nor are Creative Capital’s services well-suited to support these kinds of ventures.
Do you fund curatorial projects?
The Creative Capital Award does not support the production of exhibitions. Creative Capital funds new, discrete artistic projects that have one author, director, lead or a core group of collaborating artists.
Do you fund educational projects?
Creative Capital supports artist projects, and does not fund projects that are solely academic. While Creative Capital understands that all art is educational to some degree, if the end goal of your project is to serve a student audience, create a curriculum, or help fund programming for a community center, then the project is ineligible.
I am looking to expand an existing project, should I apply?
Creative Capital is most interested in projects that are in the early stages of development and production, as they can benefit the most from the services that Creative Capital offers. That being said, if you still consider your project to be in development or have only shared the work in workshops or much more condensed versions, you are welcome to apply. Note that Creative Capital does not provide support to projects that are at a stage where they need finishing funds or touring support. Creative Capital asks our reviewers to specifically consider the timeline of development for a project to make sure that Creative Capital can make the most impact on the artist and the final results of their project. If you think that a significantly more evolved version of your project could take form, then the project is eligible.
How do you define five years of professional experience?
Creative Capital defines five years of professional experience as engaging an artistic practice in some public capacity over a cumulative five years. This could be constituted through projects, exhibitions, readings, panel conversations, screenings, interviews, etc.
How do you define student status?
All applicants must have finished any degree-granting educational commitments before applying. This applies to ABD (all but dissertation) status Ph.D. candidates and students in low-residency MFA programs.
Can I apply with multiple projects?
You may only submit one project per award cycle. Artists may not apply as a collaborator on an additional application, as all collaborators are considered awardees.
Application Materials
My work spans multiple disciplines. How do I pick just one?
Creative Capital invites artists to submit their proposals based on which area experts are most suited and qualified to review the project proposal, with the understanding that radical art is often by nature interdisciplinary, multidisciplinary, or antidisciplinary. Choosing a disciplinary category is a way to frame the discussion around your work and to indicate which experts are most qualified to evaluate the project proposal.
How do you define the “Technology” sub-discipline category in Visual Arts and Performing Arts?
Visual Arts and Performing Arts applicants have the option of selecting “Technology” as one of their project’s three sub-disciplines if technology (including but not limited to: games, digital media, artificial intelligence, robotics, AR/VR, internet art, bio art, etc.) plays a significant role in the form of the work.
What kind of non-monetary support does Creative Capital provide?
Creative Capital offers a range of professional development services including strategic planning, legal and financial advising, marketing and communications strategy, industry networking, awardee gatherings, and artist-to-artist connections.
Why do you ask about my hometown?
The hometown question lets us know if you maintain roots that are different from your present location. Creative Capital finds that many people who currently live and work in major cities still identify as coming from another place. If you were born and raised in your current city, please enter your current city.
My application contains sensitive information. How are you going to use this information? Can I submit it another way besides through your application portal?
Creative Capital is only able to receive information through the application portal as this is what reviewers use to access and score submissions. Applications are only shared with select Creative Capital staff and the reviewers who will evaluate the project. You can make note of any sensitive information in the materials or in the title of your work.
Creative Capital Award
What are the award amounts?
The Creative Capital Award amounts range from $15,000 up to $50,000 per project. Creative Capital grants are structured so that the artist(s) may draw down funds over a five-year period.
How many awards will Creative Capital make in this grant cycle?
Creative Capital will award approximately 50 individual artists across a range of disciplines, demographics, and geographic locations.
Can I apply for both the Creative Capital Award and the State of the Art Prize? If so, how?
The State of the Art Prize recipients will be selected from the Creative Capital Award applicants. There is no separate application process.
Is it possible to receive both a Creative Capital Award and State of the Art Prize in the same year?
No. State of the Art Prize recipients are welcome to apply for the Creative Capital Award in future grant cycles. Past recipients of the Creative Capital Award are not eligible to apply for the State of the Art Prize. Recipients of the State of the Art Prize may apply again for the Creative Capital Award, but will not receive the State of Art Prize a second time.
More questions? Email awards@creative-capital.org. No phone calls please.
creative-capital.org/about-the-creative-capital-award
_____
Grants for Early Career New York City + Minnesota-based Film Directors
Jerome Foundation
DEADLINE: April 3, 2025 (before 4pm CT / 5pm ET)
INFO: Jerome Foundation’s New York City and Minnesota Film Production Grants support early career film directors with grants up to $30,000 for short or long-form film projects in the ever-expanding creative genres of experimental, narrative, animation, or documentary genres or in any hybrid combination of these forms.
The Foundation seeks to fund filmmakers who take creative risks, seek innovative approaches, have a clarity of purpose and vision for imaginative storytelling, are engaged directly with those involved in their filmmaking, and work to build relationships with and impact their creative community and the field.
Applicants must be early career film directors in their 2nd–10th year in the field who have at least two completed film projects (a minimum of 10 minutes total running time) and no more than 2 feature-length film directing credits for fully produced works (running time of 50+ minutes or more per film). Applicants may not be enrolled in a degree program or a tenured professor. Formal training in degree-granting programs is neither expected nor required. The 2025 program supports film projects that will be in production between November 2025 and April 2027.
Jerome Foundation’s Minnesota Filmmaker Mentorship Grants support early career filmmakers with up to $10,000 for self-designed mentorship opportunities with experienced directors or other film professionals to strengthen early career filmmakers directing craft and/or professional skills in connection with a specific film project in short and/or long form experimental, narrative, animation or documentary genres, or in any hybrid combination of these forms.
This grant is for early career film directors with at least 2 years (i.e., not beginning filmmakers) but no more than 10 years, of experience directing their own films in documentary, narrative, experimental or animation, or any hybrid combination of these genres. The priority for this mentorship grant is to support directors in their 2nd–5th year in the field. Applicants may not be enrolled in a degree program or a tenured professor. Formal training in degree-granting programs is neither expected nor required.
Detailed eligibility requirements are different for each grant program—potential applicants should consult the relevant program information before applying.