Scholarships for Artists of Color
THE APPLICATION PERIOD FOR SCHOLARSHIPS FOR ARTISTS OF COLOR IS NOW OPEN! SCHOLARSHIPS ARE AVAILABLE FOR THE UPCOMING SUMMER CLASS.
This scholarship is available to any POC artists who wish to take a Neo-Futurist class in the summer 2023 season. This current round of scholarships will award a tuition amount of $300 plus a $50 travel stipend towards the 2023 Summer session of Intro to Writing & Performing the 2-Minute Play. Applicants must be able to commit to taking this class in order to be eligible for this current round of scholarships. APPLICATIONS ARE DUE ON WEDNESDAY, JUNE 14TH AT MIDNIGHT.
class date:
Mondays, 6:30pm-9:30pm*, June 26th-August 21st (No Class July 10th)
*The final two classes are four hours (6:30-10:30)
For any questions on classes, the scholarship, or for more information about our 8-week Intro to Writing & Performing the 2-Minute Play, email Education Lead Abby Pajakowski at education@neofuturists.org.
Plus, keep reading this letter from former student and scholarship recipient (and former Managing Director of The Neo-Futurists) Jorge Silva, about his experience taking a class.
I applied for the scholarship at a time where my interest in the Neo-Futurists had peaked, but I was facing a rather challenging period in my personal life where dedicating a substantial amount of my income towards an arts class seemed near impossible. At the time, I was working as a tamalero on 18th street, 60 hours a week with little to no time to explore a full career as an artist.
Once awarded the scholarship and enrolled, the class reignited a passion that I had long lost – the desire to create free of judgment and in a structured enough fashion that energized the writing without a sense of preciousness. The experimental nature of the company’s aesthetic encouraged innovation and individualism and with the support of the dedicated ensemble/instructors, I was free to invest in work that was ultimately my own.
Already frustrated by the lack of inclusion onstage and behind the scenes, creating work through the introductory class at the Neos also realized a personal mission: that I did not have to wait for someone else to present the opportunity to tell my story of Latinidad, rather, I could be that harbinger.
-Jorge Silva
Former AOC Scholar and Managing Director
The Neo-Futurists
Unapologetically Bolivian
a play written for Writing & Performing the Two-Minute Play, by Jorge Silva
“I ‘Fink You Freaky” by Die Antwoord plays, Jorge stands at center stage with back to the audience. The ensemble dresses him in an alpaca poncho. He turns and walks downstage, the music stops and says…
Jorge: I once knew a guinea pig named ‘Almuerzo.’
Music resumes, someone throws him a cob of corn and takes a bite before dropping it like a mic.
Next.
Scholarships are available for most classes. Limits may apply to when a scholarship can be used based on timing. Contact education@neofuturists.org for inquiries.
Payment Plans and Work Study
If you want to take a class but your financial situation is a barrier, don’t worry. Contact us to discuss your options, including payment plans, work study opportunities, and scholarships.
Abby Pajakowski
Education Lead Coordinator
education@neofuturists.org