Graton Fellowship for Artists in California

The 2025 Graton Fellowship for Artists from California-Based Tribes is an initiative by the Sundance Institute aimed at supporting Indigenous artists from federally and non-federally recognized California Indian tribes. This fellowship provides a platform for these artists to share their narratives through the medium of film. The program is designed to foster creativity and professional development among Indigenous filmmakers, offering both financial support and mentorship. The primary purpose of the Graton Fellowship is to cultivate artistic expression and storytelling among Indigenous artists in California. The fellowship seeks to empower two selected fellows by providing them with a cash grant of $25,000 each, which can be utilized for a feature project that is either in development or production. In addition to the financial support, the fellows will benefit from a yearlong continuum of mentorship and access to various resources that can enhance their artistic journey. Funding from the Graton Fellowship is specifically allocated for projects that are in the development or production stages. Each fellow will receive a $25,000 cash grant, along with opportunities for creative mentorship from the Indigenous Program staff. The fellowship also includes access to professional development resources, participation in the Sundance Film Festival, and engagement with the Sundance Collab platform, which offers additional support for artists. Eligibility for the fellowship is limited to Indigenous artists who are affiliated with a California-based tribe. Applicants must provide proof of their tribal affiliation or lineal descendancy to qualify for the fellowship. This focus on Indigenous artists ensures that the program remains dedicated to supporting those who are directly connected to California's tribal communities. The application process for the Graton Fellowship requires interested individuals to submit their proposals by the deadline of October 14, 2024. Specific submission requirements and application questions are not detailed in the provided information, so applicants are encouraged to refer to the Sundance Institute's website for further guidance on the application process. Evaluation criteria for the fellowship will likely include the artistic merit of the proposed project, the potential impact of the fellowship on the artist's career, and the relevance of the project to Indigenous storytelling. However, specific evaluation metrics have not been disclosed in the available information. Overall, the Graton Fellowship represents a significant opportunity for Indigenous artists in California to receive both financial support and mentorship, enabling them to advance their film projects and share their unique stories with a broader audience. Interested applicants should ensure they meet the eligibility criteria and prepare their submissions in advance of the deadline. For more information, potential applicants can visit the Sundance Institute's website.