Are you passionate about the arts and eager to make a difference in your community? MASSCreative, a leading advocate for the creative sector in Massachusetts, has exciting news for you. On August 21, 2024, they officially opened applications for their 2024-2025 Advocacy & Organizing Fellowship program.
What is the Advocacy & Organizing Fellowship?
This year-long, compensated leadership development program is designed for artivists, creative workers, and emerging cultural leaders who want to strengthen their community organizing and advocacy skills. It’s not just about learning – it’s about doing. Fellows will focus on a cultural policy or creative community issue they’re passionate about and develop a real-world advocacy campaign to address it.
Why Apply?
- Make a Real Impact: Previous fellows have tackled issues like preserving access to creative spaces, advocating for youth access to public spaces, and reducing barriers for trans and gender-diverse individuals in public art venues.
- Learn from the Best: Bi-monthly sessions allow fellows to learn from experienced organizers, artist leaders, and organizational advocates.
- Financial Support: Fellows receive a $5,000 annual stipend plus $300 to support their organizing efforts.
- Diverse Community: The current cohort represents eight different regions of Massachusetts, six creative disciplines, and 60% identify as BIPOC, AAPI, or LGBTQIA+.
Who Should Apply?
The ideal candidate for this fellowship:
- Is part of the creative sector with moderate experience in political advocacy and community engagement
- Has identified a specific cultural policy or issue they want to address through advocacy
- Has direct experience with the issue they wish to address
- Is ready to commit 10-13 hours per month to the fellowship
Examples of suitable experience include:
- Speaking with elected officials about community concerns
- Engaging personal/professional networks for community events
- Participating in non-partisan issue organizing or voter education efforts
Selection Criteria
MASSCreative is committed to assembling a diverse cohort of ten individuals. They consider:
- Lived Experiences: Diversity in race/ethnicity, gender, sexual identity, and disability status
- Geography: Representing 8-10 of the 13 regions of the Commonwealth
- Creative Ecosystem: Open to individual artists, independent creative workers, and staff from cultural non-profits and for-profit creative businesses
What to Expect
- Bi-monthly cohort sessions with experienced leaders
- Support in developing an advocacy campaign
- Opportunities to implement your project
- A strong focus on leadership development
- Networking with a diverse group of creative professionals
Key Dates to Remember
- Application Deadline: September 23, 2024, at 11:59 pm
- Program Start: November 22, 2024, with an opening retreat in Worcester
- Info Session: Virtual session on September 12, 2024, from 12:30 to 1:30 pm (Registration required)
How to Apply
Visit MASSCreative’s website for detailed application information and program details. Know someone perfect for this opportunity? You can nominate them before September 23rd using the open nomination form.
Questions?
Contact Richeline Cadet, MASSCreative’s Director of Organizing, at rcadet@mass-creative.org.
Don’t miss this chance to be part of shaping an equitable and inclusive creative sector across Massachusetts. If you’re ready to turn your passion into action and commit to a year of growth, learning, and impact, apply now!
The Advocacy and Organizing Fellowship is made possible thanks to support from the Barr Foundation.
