Artist Accelerator
The Sundance Institute Artist Accelerator Program supports emerging and mid-career independent storytellers with grants, mentorship, and community, focusing on innovative projects and underrepresented voices in media.
Funder: Sundance Institute
Due Dates: Year-round (various fellowships and funds)
Funding Amounts: Grants typically range from $10,000 (fellowships) up to $25,000 (project advancement/completion); most are non-recoupable and unrestricted.
Summary: Supports emerging and mid-career independent storytellers with funding, mentorship, and community to advance equity and sustainability in the creative field.
Key Information: Multiple tracks and funds target different communities, genres, and project stages—review program details for specific eligibility.
Description
The Sundance Institute's Artist Accelerator Program is designed to empower independent storytellers—particularly those at emerging and mid-career stages—by providing a combination of financial support, mentorship, and professional development. Launched in 2021, the program addresses the evolving needs of artists navigating the fragmented and competitive landscape of independent media. It supports a wide array of projects and artists through yearlong fellowships, advancement and completion grants, and targeted initiatives for underrepresented communities and innovative storytelling forms (such as AI-driven media).
Artists benefit from non-recoupable grants, individualized mentorship, and integration into a supportive creative community. The program also collaborates with peer organizations, public agencies, and grassroots collectives to enhance access, equity, and sustainability across the field.
