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A4’s mission is to ensure greater representation, equity, and opportunities for Asian American artists and cultural organizations through resource sharing, promotion, and community building. In line with these efforts, it is the aim of the Jadin Wong Fellowship to support an early-career individual Asian American artist living in New York City to develop work that will continue to fuel Asian American and creative discourse.
This award is a tribute to the life and work of renowned Chinese American actress, dancer, and comedienne Jadin Wong. Ms. Wong was a lifelong pioneer and innovator in the field of performing arts and strove to ensure opportunities for Asian Americans through her efforts as a performer and talent agent.
A4 will grant a fellowship to one early-career Asian American dancer/choreographer, age 30 or younger, whose work shows outstanding promise, and who may benefit from further professional artistic development.
The fellowship recipient will receive an unrestricted cash stipend of $7,500 and an eight-month fellowship tailored to respond to the unique needs of their practice. The fellowship includes artistic mentorship with an established or mid-career dance professional, leadership coaching, and a range of technical support.
A4 will administer an open application process.
In addition to the cash stipend of $7,500, the fellow will participate in an eight-month program beginning in May 2024 and ending in December 2024. The fellowship is structured in three phases, each facilitating a different area of professional development.
Phase 1: Career Coaching
May – July 2024
The selected fellow will receive three coaching sessions from an esteemed career coach. The coaching will cover core value strengthening and goal setting/vision planning. These sessions are meant to offer personal and professional development tools for the fellow to empower themself as a leader of their vision, craft, and field.
Phase 2: Artistic Mentorship
July – September 2024
The selected fellow will receive artistic mentorship from an established or mid-career dance professional. The mentorship will include one-on-one meetings with the appointed mentor. The mentor will be chosen by A4 staff based on field recommendations and with input from the fellow, giving consideration to their interests and preferences.
Phase 3: A4 Public Program
October – December 2024
The selected fellow will work with A4 staff to develop and present one community workshop or public presentation in December 2024 based on their experience with the fellowship or work generated through the process.
DEADLINE: APPLICATION FORMS MUST BE SUBMITTED ELECTRONICALLY BY 11:59 PM ET ON MONDAY, MARCH 25, 2024.
REQUIREMENTS
The applicant MUST:
Be of Asian heritage
Be 30 years of age or younger at the time of the fellowship (born May 1, 1994 or later)
Not be currently enrolled as a full-time or part-time student in a degree-granting program during the fellowship period (May – December 2024)
Be a resident of New York City (Manhattan, Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, or Staten Island)
Be currently living in the US and primarily based in New York City during the fellowship period (May – December 2024)
Have at least two years of experience in presented dance
NOTE: Current A4 staff, board members, and review panelists are not eligible. Immediate family of A4 staff, board members, and review panelists are not eligible.
Review and Selection Criteria:
The fellow will be selected through an open call and jury process. A jury composed of established professionals in the field will evaluate the submitted applications based on the following criteria:
Artistic merit: Technical skill, performance quality, clarity of vision and originality of work will be evaluated.
Development of new or existing work: Description of the project to be developed or completed during the fellowship.
Community impact: Articulation of interest or hopes to make a significant impact on the Asian American and New York City artistic community as a whole, based on narrative responses in the application.
Potential for growth: Extent to which the fellowship will advance the applicant’s goals and career.
Review panels are composed of a diverse group of respected professionals in the field. All are distinguished artists and arts professionals.
Key Dates:
February 21, 2024 – Public announcement of open call
February 28, 2024 – Virtual information session, 12–1:00pm ET
March 25, 2024 – Submissions close by 11:59pm ET
March – April 2024 – Panel review period
April 30, 2024 – Notification of award
May 9, 2024 – Public announcement of fellow
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
All applications are submitted online via Jotform.
Artistic Statement:
Identify your unique artistic approach to your chosen medium. (300 words max)
Optional: Describe the influences, legacies, and/or heritages in your work. (100 words max)
Professional Growth:
Describe where you are in your professional and artistic career as a visual artist in New York City. Share key moments, accomplishments, and/or learnings in your career thus far. (300 words max)
Describe upcoming goals and how this fellowship may help you achieve those goals (300 words max)
Describe an existing or new body of work you wish to develop during the 8-month fellowship (300 words max)
Community Impact:
How do you hope to impact the Asian American artistic community through your work? (300 words max)
Fellowship Benefits:
If awarded the fellowship, how do you plan to use the unrestricted cash grant? (100 words max)
Letter of recommendation (from an educator or dance professional experienced with the artist’s work)
Resume and headshot
Work samples (up to three work samples total)
Three recent (within the past 4 years) video work samples demonstrating the applicant’s best performance or choreography. Each sample should be no more than 4 minutes in length. Provide time stamps for viewing.