The Schrucker Fellowship for the Arts is a new grant designed to support talented Tibetans working in contemporary arts. It aims to give them the financial help they need to create art in fields like visual arts, creative writing, theater, and film. This fellowship was created by the International Campaign for Tibet (ICT) and is available to all Tibetans across the world, regardless of where they live.
Background
Over the last 60 years, Tibetan society has changed in many ways. Many Tibetans have had to leave their homes due to difficult situations, including political issues. As of today, more than 150,000 Tibetans live outside of their homeland. They are now spread across places like India, Nepal, Bhutan, North America, Europe, and other parts of the world.
One of the biggest challenges for Tibetans has been maintaining their cultural identity. Despite the hard circumstances caused by China’s rule over Tibet, many Tibetan artists continue to create meaningful art. They use their work to express their feelings about the changes and struggles they face. Tibetan artists use many different forms of art such as visual arts, music, writing, and film to tell their stories.
Art is a very important tool for understanding society. This is especially true for communities like the Tibetans who are facing many struggles. Art can help preserve their rich culture and also share their current experiences with the world.
The Schrucker Fellowship was born after the Schroeder and Pucker families visited Dharamsala in 2024 with the International Campaign for Tibet. During their visit, they learned about the emerging contemporary Tibetan arts community in Dharamsala, India. Inspired by the creativity they saw, they decided to create a fellowship to help Tibetan artists continue their important work.
Purpose of the Schrucker Fellowship
The main purpose of the Schrucker Fellowship is to help contemporary Tibetan artists grow and continue their work. The fellowship will give financial help to Tibetan artists working in different areas, including:
- Visual arts like painting and sculpture
- Creative writing such as stories and poems
- Theater for acting and stage performances
- Film for creating movies and documentaries
The fellowship is an exciting opportunity for Tibetan artists to get the support they need to work on their projects. Whether they are just starting out or have years of experience, Tibetan creatives are encouraged to apply.
Grant Amount
The Schrucker Fellowship will provide a total of $20,000 in 2024. Artists can apply for funding for their projects, and the amount they receive will depend on the size and scope of their work. Grants will range from $500 to $3,000 per project. This money can be used by the artists to complete their projects and take their work to new heights.
Eligibility
To be eligible for the Schrucker Fellowship, applicants must be of Tibetan descent. They can be living in any country, as long as they are Tibetan. People who are working for organizations can also apply, as long as they are an important part of the project. However, non-Tibetans cannot apply for this grant.
Applicants are chosen based on the quality of their work. They must show that they have the ability to finish the project and meet their goals. The fellowship wants to help artists reach new stages in their careers, whether they are beginners, mid-level, or already established in their field.
It is important to note that the fellowship will not provide money for events like conferences, workshops, exhibitions, or for creating apps.
Timeline of the Grant
Here is a timeline for the grant process:
| Date | Details |
|---|---|
| September 1, 2024 | Application period opens |
| October 14, 2024 | Application period closes |
| November 2024 | Applications sent to Advisory Board |
| December 2024 | Notification and distribution of grant funds |
| July 2025 | Mid-year report from grant recipients |
| December 2025 | Final report from grant recipients |
Application Process
The application process for the Schrucker Fellowship for the Arts starts on September 1, 2024. Tibetan artists have until October 14, 2024 to submit their applications. All applications must be sent in by 11:59 p.m. EST on the closing date.
Once the application period closes, all submissions will be sent to the Advisory Board. This board is made up of members from the Schroeder and Pucker families. They will review each application and decide which artists will receive grants. The selected artists will be notified in December 2024, and the funds will be given to them at that time.
After receiving the grant, each artist will need to submit a report on their progress by July 2025. They will also need to send a final report by December 2025 explaining how they used the grant and how their project turned out.
For more information on the Schrucker Fellowship for the Arts, interested applicants can email schruckerfellowship@savetibet.org.
Benefits of the Schrucker Fellowship for the Arts
The Schrucker Fellowship offers several important benefits to Tibetan artists. Some of these benefits include:
- Financial Support: Tibetan artists will receive financial help, ranging from $500 to $3,000. This money can be used to complete important projects, which may otherwise not be possible without this funding.
- Growth Opportunity: The fellowship is open to artists at all levels—whether they are beginners, mid-career, or established. This means that no matter what stage they are in, Tibetan artists have the chance to improve their careers and gain new opportunities.
- Global Recognition: By being part of the fellowship, artists can gain more recognition for their work. Their contributions to Tibetan culture and art can be shared with people all over the world.
- Cultural Preservation: One of the key benefits of this fellowship is its role in preserving Tibetan culture. The fellowship ensures that Tibetan artists have the support they need to continue expressing their heritage and the challenges they face in today’s world.
- Community Building: The fellowship brings together Tibetan artists from around the world. By participating in the fellowship, artists can connect with others in their field, share ideas, and build a stronger community of contemporary Tibetan creatives.
In summary, the Schrucker Fellowship for the Arts is an incredible opportunity for Tibetan artists working in contemporary fields. With financial help and the chance to grow their careers, these artists can continue creating works that reflect their unique experiences and heritage. The fellowship also plays a vital role in preserving Tibetan culture and sharing it with the world.