The Daniel K. Inouye National Center for the Preservation of Democracy (Democracy Center) at the Japanese American National Museum (JANM) is thrilled to announce the 3rd annual Irene Yamamoto Arts Writers Fellowship.
Donor Name: Daniel K. Inouye National Center for the Preservation of Democracy (Democracy Center)
State: All States
County: All Counties
Type of Grant: Fellowship
Deadline: 03/17/2025
Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000
Grant Duration: Less than 1 Year
Details:
Writers of color have knowledge and experiences that differ from the dominant Eurocentric ones, and their perspectives give art produced by marginalized communities the depth of attention and consideration it deserves. The fellowship seeks to encourage critics of color starting out in the field to continue writing about works from their own cultural and political perspectives, enriching and broadening cultural criticism as a practice and profession. By supporting and highlighting these voices, the fellowship seeks to broaden public discourse and strengthen participation in cultural conversations by diverse communities.
Purpose
The fellowship focuses on a different artistic discipline each year. This year’s focus is music.
In order to ensure full consideration of your application, please make sure your writing samples are works of criticism or reviews of live or recorded music. Although music is experienced in many different contexts, for the purposes of this award, music is defined as a creation that is experienced primarily as sound. For example:
- A review of a film’s soundtrack would be appropriate, but not a review of the film.
- Criticism of an audio recording of songs from an opera or musical theater production would be considered, whereas a response to the overall production would not.
- Critical views on the music industry, its figures, or trends are acceptable, as long as they are directly related to the artistry, production, or reception of music.
Above all, writing samples must provide a critical, analytical, or interpretive perspective on a piece or pieces of music.
Award
Irene Yamamoto Arts Writers Fellowships will be awarded to two (2) emerging writers of color, each of whom receive a $5,000 award to be spent over a six-month period.
Eligibility Criteria
- Eligible applicants must:
- Be a US citizen or currently reside within the US
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Identify as a member of a community with ancestry in one of the original peoples of Africa, Asia, the Americas, Oceania, or Pacific Islands
- Have less than 2 years of publication experience, which may include a blog or self-publishing
- Have demonstrated a commitment to writing about music
- Applicants cannot be an immediate relative of a JANM or Democracy Center employee, or of a funder.
- Previous recipients of an Irene Yamamoto Arts Writers Fellowship are not eligible.
For more information, visit Democracy Center.
