Apply to be a 2020-21 NJCF Fellow

The ongoing crisis (viral, social, political) of 2020 has left artists and educators with even fewer resources than they had before, and without audiences. It’s also left our communities without precisely the kind of art, learning, and togetherness that’s necessary in this moment. In an attempt to meet those needs, the New Jewish Culture Fellowship is announcing an opportunity for NYC-based Jewish artists to offer virtual cultural events and classes. You can read more about the NJCF, including info about current fellows, at this link.

As always, we’re looking for Jewish art and teaching that challenges expected narratives. We see imagination as an antidote to the fear that upholds the status quo. Artists are a necessary part of the radical visioning we need now. As such, we especially welcome artists and teachers who feel like their Jewish identities aren’t often represented in dominant Jewish cultural production. 

We can offer 8-12 artists and educators up to $1500 for virtual performances and classes. By performances, we mean readings, concerts, salons, art talks, panel discussions, burlesque, table-reads, studio visits, re-imagined artistic takes on Jewish ritual, film screenings, etc. By classes, we mean multi-session or one-off classes or workshops (we’re open to your visions!). We want to give you financial support to keep making your work--whether it responds directly to the pandemic, the uprisings, and the ongoing crises of this country, or not--and audiences to share it with. 

This is an opportunity to share work that’s already in process or to start something new. The application asks for a proposed budget; an artist/educator’s fee can make up half of the $1500 allowance ($750). The primary artist submitting the proposal should be Jewish and NYC-based, but your collaborators don’t need to be (we’re excited by intercultural projects!). Events/teaching should take place by May 2021; we need to balance the calendar so we may ask you to be flexible with dates, and priority may be given to projects that could be shared earlier rather than later in the timeline. Former NJCF fellows are encouraged to apply, though preference will be given to projects that involve outside collaborator(s), and to new artists. Applicants can submit up to two proposals for different events/classes, but a maximum of one will be selected.

More detailed information about expectations and program will be provided to selected applicants.  

Questions? Email culture@brooklynjews.com for more information.

This year’s application cycle has closed.