Artist Accelerator
The Sundance Institute Artist Accelerator Program supports independent storytellers with fellowships, grants, mentorship, and community to advance and complete visionary projects across film and innovative media.
Funder: Sundance Institute
Due Dates (Anticipated): October 2026 (Artist Accelerator program annual application deadline, projected)
Funding Amounts: Non-recoupable grants and fellowships; project completion grants up to $25,000; yearlong fellowships typically include $10,000–$25,000 plus mentorship and support.
Summary: Supports emerging and mid-career independent storytellers with financial, creative, and tactical resources through fellowships, project grants, mentorship, and industry collaborations.
Description
The Artist Accelerator Program at Sundance Institute is a comprehensive support initiative for independent storytellers, focusing on both emerging and mid-career artists. Launched in 2021, the program responds to the evolving needs of creators in a rapidly shifting creative and economic landscape. It offers a combination of yearlong fellowships, project advancement and completion grants, individualized mentorship, and access to a vibrant community. The program is designed to catalyze the creation and completion of meaningful, visionary work, and to help artists build sustainable careers.
Multiple tracks and funds exist within the Artist Accelerator, including targeted fellowships (e.g., for Asian American artists, U.S. Muslim narratives, and projects exploring AI), as well as completion funds for projects at critical stages. The program prioritizes access, equity, and sustainability, and actively collaborates with peer organizations, public agencies, and grassroots collectives to maximize field-wide impact.
