Black Appalachian Storytellers Fellowships
Forecasted
Black Appalachian Storytellers Fellowships support Black storytellers in researching, developing, performing, and documenting oral traditions to sustain African American heritage and culture in Appalachia.
Funder: Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation
Due Dates (Anticipated): August 2027 (Application deadline)
Funding Amounts: Six $5,000 unrestricted awards, plus travel and lodging support for two festival years
Summary: Supports Black Appalachian storytellers who sustain oral traditions reflecting African American history, heritage, and culture.
Key Information: Applicants must represent an eligible Appalachian county; current residency is not required if they have strong heritage ties.
Description
The Black Appalachian Storytellers Fellowships honor, celebrate, and support Black storytelling traditions that embody the history, heritage, and culture of African Americans in Appalachia. The National Association of Black Storytellers (NABS) administers the program in partnership with Mid Atlantic Arts and South Arts, awarding one fellowship annually in each of six eligible states: Kentucky, North Carolina, Ohio, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia.
The fellowships support experienced practitioners and culture bearers in examining, researching, developing, performing, or documenting Black Appalachian storytelling. They recognize oral traditions shared within families and communities and provide unrestricted financial support alongside national recognition. Fellows are honored at the annual “In the Tradition…” National Black Storytelling Festival and Conference and invited to perform the following year.
