Artist Accelerator
The Sundance Institute Artist Accelerator Program supports emerging and mid-career independent storytellers with fellowships, grants, mentorship, and creative community, emphasizing equity and innovation in independent media.
Funder: Sundance Institute
Due Dates: Rolling (various fellowships, funds, and completion grants)
Funding Amounts: $10,000–$25,000 typical grant; yearlong fellowships; unrestricted and project-specific support
Summary: Provides financial, creative, and mentorship support to emerging and mid-career independent storytellers through fellowships, grants, and project advancement funds.
Key Information: Multiple tracks and funds are available; check program pages for current open calls and eligibility.
Description
The Sundance Institute's Artist Accelerator Program is designed to nurture emerging and mid-career independent storytellers by offering yearlong fellowships, project advancement and completion grants, individualized mentorship, and a supportive creative community. Since its launch in 2021, the program has supported over 200 artists across a range of initiatives, including fellowships targeting Asian American and U.S. Muslim storytellers, AI creators, and partnerships with major industry players such as The Walt Disney Studios.
The program emphasizes equity, access, and sustainability in independent media, supporting both artists already affiliated with Sundance and those with no prior engagement. Funding is available for both project advancement and completion, with a focus on projects where support will be catalytic. The Artist Accelerator also partners with other organizations to drive field-wide impact and improve industry practices, including standardizing application processes and advancing AI literacy.
