Black Appalachian Storytellers Fellowship
This fellowship supports Black Appalachian storytellers in researching, developing, and sharing oral tradition culture, celebrating their role in preserving African American heritage in the Appalachian region.
Funder: Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation
Due Dates: August 20, 2022 | August 3, 2026
Funding Amounts: $5,000 unrestricted per fellow; one fellow per eligible state annually; includes travel support, NABS membership, and a physical award
Summary: Fellowship honoring and supporting Black Appalachian storytellers who sustain oral tradition culture in their communities.
Key Information: Open to tradition bearers with strong Black Appalachian heritage ties in ARC counties of KY, NC, OH, TN, VA, WV.
Description
This fellowship program, administered by Mid Atlantic Arts in partnership with the National Association of Black Storytellers (NABS) and South Arts, is dedicated to honoring, celebrating, and supporting Black storytellers who embody and sustain the oral tradition culture of African Americans in the Appalachian region. Each year, one fellowship is awarded in each of six eligible states (Kentucky, North Carolina, Ohio, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia). Fellows receive unrestricted funding, a unique physical award crafted by a Black Appalachian artist, a one-year NABS membership, and are honored at the annual National Black Storytelling Festival and Conference. The program aims to preserve, advance, and elevate the tradition of Black Appalachian storytelling, supporting practitioners in examining, researching, developing, performing, and/or documenting these traditions.
