The Black Earth Institute will award 6 fellowships for 2015-2018 term. BEI, now 10 years old, is dedicated to supporting art in re-forging the links between spirit, earth and society. Art can create new space for changing minds and the world. Artists have played this role and BEI is dedicated to bringing artists together to foment change. The Black Earth Institute is a community of committed activists and yet a granting agency.
We are seeking fellows from different genres and media, from accomplished artists and artists newly breaking through and gaining recognition. BEI seeks fellows from diverse communities: academic, religious, gender-identified, racial, ethnic and international and we value continuing this.
Fellows are chosen to join together in community along with the earlier fellows and scholars to share with and support each other working towards these goals. This is done in several ways. First, we join together for an annual intensive retreat at Brigit Rest near Black Earth, Wisconsin for 3 days of sharing ideas, work, space, food and the land. Here we wrestle with topics presented by scholar advisors; bring forward experiences in the work of fellows, and make plans for the coming year. This year’s retreat will be Oct. 8-11, lodging is provided and travel is supported by a grant.
BEI will support projects for each new fellow. Projects can be for a single larger major work such as a book, major media, public art or other production over the 3 years or several smaller annual projects. These will be supported by stipends of $1000.00 annually. Projects will combine the artist’s creative direction with the goals and values of BEI.
BEI will support each fellow during the course of their term to have the opportunity and responsibility of setting a theme and editing an issue of About Place Journal during their tenure. A separate $1000.00 stipend is provided for this activity. The editor chooses two assistant editors, also supported.
Activities of BEI fellows are highlighted and promoted in various media including website, Facebook and internal communications. Fellows support each other in organizing readings and panels and in communications during the year. Submissions are sought and expected from fellows for About Place Journal.
Fellows will identify themselves as Black Earth Institute fellows on their websites and bios and promote BEI and its activities in their communities. Black Earth fellows have sponsored or participated in, for example, BEI panels at Split This Rock, AWP, and Iowa State Wildness Conferences. Fellows have participated in BEI scholar led field work with protecting cranes and wolves. Fellows are expected to sponsor a program yearly in the name of BEI and participate regularly in the internal life of the organization.
Applicants should submit a letter of intent and a full application will be sent to those whose letter of intent is accepted.
Applications are now closed. Questions may be directed to BEI via email at blackearthinstitute@gmail.com