Arts + Justice Student Grant
Arts + Justice Student Grants fund undergraduate and graduate students as they investigate urgent matters around justice issues and the arts. Students may apply for the grant with a creative project related to any number of justice issues including, but not limited to, race equity, environmentalism, mass incarceration, mental health, LGBTQ+ equity, and affordable healthcare. Students may apply as individuals or as part of a team (teams should only submit one application). While we invite projects that span both local and global concern, by both emerging artists and experienced activists, the project should be of an appropriate scope to complete by the end of the 2024-25 academic year.
Successful applicants will receive $650 to cover project expenses. Grant recipients may also apply for additional funding for projects with expenses exceeding $650 by submitting a list of proposed expenses.
In addition to the financial support, grantees will meet monthly to workshop their projects and discuss the successes and struggles of their work. Office hours and individual mentorship will also be made available to grantees. Participation in this cohort community allows for peer feedback, collective support, and shared space to workshop projects and discuss best-practices for community-engaged research. Grantees should be prepared to present work-in-progress during at least one meeting.
Applications closed on November 15, 2024. Decisions will be announced in mid December.
Project Eligibility:
- Explore at least one justice issue (e.g. race, climate, mass incarceration, housing, mental health, LGBTQ+ equity, affordable healthcare)
- Incorporate at least one form of artistic expression (e.g. music, dance, theater, spoken word, performance art, film, visual art, fashion/textiles, digital media, interactive art, creative writing)
- Project is extracurricular (does not fulfill academic requirements, honors theses, or capstone projects)
- Project is performed/exhibited by the end of the current academic year either in a virtual space or in-person setting
Assessment Criteria
Applications that meet eligibility criteria will be assessed in the following areas:
- Clarity and strength of proposal: Does the proposal describe an original project in clear and specific terms? Is the project detailed, researched, and realistic?
- Engagement: Does the proposal show evidence of thoughtful engagement with a specific social justice issue? If the project involves work with a particular community, is there adequate consideration of how to engage with participants in a respectful and ethical manner?
- Fit: Does the applicant / do the applicants show interest in being a member of a cohort?
- Potential for success: Does the proposal outline a project of adequate scope for 1-2 quarters of work?
Project Expenses:
The Arts + Justice Student Grant will be provided to the project lead as a single stipend of $650. Students may also apply for additional funding for projects with expenses exceeding $650 by submitting a list of proposed expenses. These are limited to project materials and equipment not already available at Stanford.
Due to limited funding, we are unable to cover the following:
- Honoraria or fees to non-Stanford individuals
- Payments to Stanford affiliates (students, faculty, staff, postdocs)
- Software that is available for free at Stanford
- Travel-related expenses
Student Eligibility:
- Current Stanford undergraduate, co-term, or graduate students enrolled in classes. (Students on a Leave of Absence are not eligible)
- Applicants can apply as individuals or as a group, but registered student organizations (VSOs) are not eligible.
- We encourage students of all forms and levels of artistic experience to apply
- Previous recipients of an Arts + Justice Student Grant may reapply with a new project
Application Materials:
- List of all core team members (solo and collaborative projects are eligible
- Project abstract (1-3 sentences)
- Project proposal (500 words)
- Program fit (250 words)
- Work samples (optional but encouraged)
FAQ
Who is eligible to apply?
All current Stanford undergraduate, co-term, and graduate students are eligible to apply. Graduate students should check their funding packages before applying. Previous recipients of an Arts + Justice Student Grant may reapply with a new project.
Can grant funds be used for a project during a Leave of Absence?
No, students must be enrolled in both winter and spring quarter of the 2024-25 academic year to receive the grant.
How are grant funds issued?
The Arts + Justice Student Grant will be provided to the student project lead as a lump-sum stipend of $650. Successful applicants may apply for additional funds if project expenses exceed $650.
Who reviews the grant applications?
All grant applications are reviewed by a committee from the Stanford Arts Institute. The committee evaluates each application based on the clarity and strength of the proposal, the project’s engagement with issues of justice, its fit in the program, and its potential for success. Priority will be given to students or projects that engage in underrepresented fields, identities, and issues. Please see Assessment Criteria above.
I'm interested in working on a team project. Is this possible?
Yes, team-based projects are eligible. However, registered student organizations (VSOs) are not eligible for this program. Please see the Student Arts Grants page for more information on VSO grants.
When will I hear back if I have received an award?
Accepted applicants will be notified mid December, 2024.
What should I select for my portfolio?
Think of your portfolio as a way to demonstrate the skills you'll use in your proposed project. Be selective: more is not more! You can anticipate reviewers will spend no more than 5 minutes of time on your portfolio, so don't leave things up to chance by giving them 20 minutes of material!
Contact:
Stanford Arts Institute
artsinstitute@stanford.edu
