Sundance Institute, Asian American Foundation announce fellowships, scholarships

The second cohort of AAPI Artists for Fellowship and Collab Scholarships has been announced. Photo: Courtesy of The Asian American Foundation

Asian American and Pacific Islander artists in film and television are eligible

PARK CITY, Utah — The Asian American Foundation and the Sundance Institute announced the second year of the Fellowship and Collab scholarships.

The program provides Asian American and Pacific Islander artists in film and television with professional development opportunities. By supporting artists at all stages of their careers, from emerging talents to established figures, the goal is to increase AAPI representation in independent media.

The Asian American Foundation’s involvement in this program is part of its ongoing commitment to narrative change, an initiative focused on authentically portraying AAPI experiences to create a sense of belonging in America. Norman Chen, CEO of TAAF, stresses the importance of diversity behind the camera, stating in a press release, ” In order to see genuine depictions of AAPIs that reflect the nuances of our experiences and our intersectionalities, the diversity of talent behind the camera is as integral as that of those on screen.”

The fellowship offers a year-round learning experience for six AAPI artists, providing creative and tactical support and an unrestricted grant of $20,000. Additionally, six emerging AAPI creatives receive Collab Scholarships, including a self-paced course on Sundance Collab, personalized feedback on their current projects, and engagement opportunities with Sundance staff and the creative community. Artists working in fiction or nonfiction film or television are encouraged to apply.

“We’re so excited to continue uplifting Asian American and Pacific Islander voices through this collaboration with TAAF,” said Hajnal Molnar-Szakacs, director, Artist Accelerator at Sundance Institute, in the press release. “Last year’s fellowship and Sundance Collab scholarship bolstered our support of fresh, diverse AAPI voices, and we look forward to discovering where these opportunities will lead another group of talented storytellers from the community.”

Starting in 2022, the fellowship and Collab scholarship was launched with the support of TAAF, thanks to a $400,000 grant from its AAPI Giving Challenge partners Panda Express and The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation. To support the artists and program activities, $140,000 has been committed. This funding will provide artists with grants and offer year-round resources.

For a complete list of the selected artists, visit: https://www.taaf.org/ or  https://www.sundance.org/