Artist Accelerator
Sundance Institute’s Artist Accelerator Program provides fellowships, grants, and mentorship to support diverse independent storytellers in fiction, nonfiction, and innovative media.
Funder: Sundance Institute (https://www.sundance.org)
Due Dates: Rolling (various fellowships and funds open throughout the year)
Funding Amounts: Typical grants: $10,000–$25,000 (unrestricted, non-recoupable); yearlong fellowships; completion grants; mentorship included.
Summary: Provides financial, creative, and community support to emerging and mid-career independent storytellers through fellowships, project grants, and mentorship.
Key Information: Multiple initiatives and funds under one program; eligibility and deadlines vary by fellowship/fund.
Description
The Artist Accelerator Program at the Sundance Institute is designed to empower emerging and mid-career independent storytellers navigating an evolving creative and economic landscape. Launched in 2021, the program offers a range of support including yearlong fellowships, project advancement and completion grants, non-recoupable financial awards, individualized mentorship, and access to a vibrant artist community. The program is structured to address the unique needs of artists working in a fragmented and competitive field, with a commitment to equity, access, and sustainability in independent storytelling. Initiatives span fiction, nonfiction, and innovative media, supporting projects at various stages and from diverse backgrounds.
