Yale-China Artist Fellowship
Autumn de Forest says her “goal as an artist is to create art that makes people look at the world in a different way.” Likewise, Yale-China seeks out emerging artists whose art brings people together and provides a new perspective with the intent of strengthening creative voices between Chinese and Americans. During the half year Fellowship, selected Arts Fellows have the artistic freedom to pursue collaborations within Yale University, New Haven, and across the United States. Through development of their final project, Fellows are encouraged to challenge themselves and those around them as they expand their professional and personal skills.
Objectives
The Yale-China Artist Fellowship aims to strengthen each Art Fellow’s artistic and cultural skills through a combination of hands-on experience and mentorship. The Fellowship aims to give each Arts Fellow the space to:
Explore and experiment artistically, with a focus on cross-cultural understanding
Develop relationships and creative transpacific collaborations with Yale faculty, graduate peers, local artists and non-artists
Engage the community through teaching master classes, leading workshops, giving performances or lectures, and providing specialized services to those who would otherwise not have access
Focus on new areas of growth as an artist and as an individual with global perspective through mentoring and guidance with Yale-China staff and faculty advisers
Present culminating artwork or research at New Haven’s International Festival of Arts & Ideas
Eligibility
To apply for the Yale-China Artist Fellowship, applicants must meet the following criteria:
Proficiency in English
Hong Kong residency and eligibility for a U.S. visa
Ability to spend six months in New Haven (January 2021-June 2021)
Availability for 30-minute interview
Ability to articulate the importance of bridging cultures
Sensitivity to cultural differences and ability to adapt to foreign or unexpected situations
Maturity and ability to reflect on experiences
Applicants should note that emerging artists (3-5 years experience) are preferred. Applications require samples of the artist’s work.
The application deadline for the 2020-21 Artist Fellowship has passed.
“Without questions and curiosity, there would be no need to think about how things could work differently.”
Yale and New Haven Life
Arts Fellows are able to audit classes at Yale Schools of Drama, Music, Architecture and are paired with a Yale faculty mentor. In addition to potential partners within Yale, as a thriving arts community, New Haven is full of collaboration opportunities for Fellows. Additionally, New Haven is diverse city full of culture, food and more that Fellows can learn about and explore with their ambassador families. Each Arts Fellow is paired with a local family who help transform the New Haven into a second home.
International Festival of Arts & Ideas
The International Festival of Arts & Ideas has brought world-renowned speakers, artists, musicians, dancers and more to New Haven for the past 24 years to celebrate and build community. In June, Arts Fellows present their work or research in whatever format they choose. The Festival attracts community members of all backgrounds, and the Fellows bring international culture and flair.
Watch our 2019 IDEAS panel featuring Sarah Xiao (2019 Arts Fellow), Nicole Pun (2019 Arts Fellow), and Annie Lin (moderator).
Resources
All Fellows receive the following support:
living stipend (USD$1,000/month)
project, travel, and activities funds (totaling USD$6,000)
housing and utilities
roundtrip airfare and domestic transfers
special events tickets
logistics support, including visas
arrival orientation
cultural outings
ambassador families
check-in meetings with advisers (Yale-China and the Festival)
mid-program retreat
service-learning workshops and project
mentorship
support for your capstone presentation or performance
Note: Some support may change due to travel restrictions, social distancing, or other health and safety measures put in place by Yale University, the City of New Haven, and the State of Connecticut due to COVID-19.
Meet our 2020 Fellows in Education, Health, and the Arts.
This program is made possible by a partnership with the Council on East Asian Studies at Yale, the International Festival of Arts & Ideas in New Haven, and the Yale School of Drama.
