The Sundance Institute | Graton Artist Opportunity serves to cultivate a stage for artists from federally and non-federally recognized California Indian tribes to tell their stories through film. Artists will receive access to curated courses from the Sundance Institute Collab platform, which provides a virtual destination for emerging artists to learn craft and career strategies and to build community through courses, workshops, advisor sessions, extensive resources, and virtual community gatherings.
Eligibility:
Indigenous artists who are from a California-based tribe.
Apply:
The application is now open.
Deadline:
Thursday, July 31, 2025, 3:30 p.m. PT/4:30 p.m. MT/6:30 p.m. ET
Notification Date:
TBD on a Rolling Basis
*Dates/Location:
TBD - Online
Application Requirements:
Must provide proof of California-based tribal membership and/or agree to work with a Graton Tribal Representative to gather and submit paperwork to verify descendancy.
FAQ Graton Fellowship
What will I need to apply?
All applicants must submit a completed online application by the deadline of July 31, 2025 (3:30 p.m. PT/4:30 p.m. MT/6:30 p.m. ET).
In addition to responding to the required application questions, a complete application includes a short bio, headshot, résumé, and proof of tribal affiliation or lineal descendancy to a California-based tribe.
How do I provide proof of tribal affiliation or lineal descendancy?
Examples of proof of tribal affiliation or lineal descendancy may include your Tribal ID card, CDIB, or any other documentation that may pertain to your connection to your tribal community. If you have any questions, please reach out to us at maya_austin_ext@sundance.org.
What benefits do I receive as part of this opportunity?
With the support of Sundance Institute and the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria, Graton Collab Artists will receive one-on-one support to curate a Collab program to help advance their project or deepen their professional goals. In addition to the one-on-one support, the Graton Collab Artist will receive yearlong access to Collab.
Why is this opportunity available only to artists with tribal affiliations in California?
The Indigenous Program offers creative support to our global community of Indigenous artists through the Merata Mita Fellowship, Native Lab, and other opportunities offered throughout the year. The Graton Collab Artist Opportunity is made possible as part of a $4 million endowment from the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria to facilitate support for Indigenous Californians. California is one of the most tribally diverse states in the nation. While many films are made on their ancestral lands, the California Native perspective is underrepresented on and behind the screen. This opportunity aims to identify and cultivate California Native filmmakers to share their stories.
Do I need a project to apply?
No, you do not need a project to apply. This opportunity can support you at any stage in your career or project development.
What is the review process?
The Indigenous Program staff will thoroughly review each application, and decisions will be made on a rolling basis. The Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria will complete additional verification of tribal enrollment or affiliation. Applicants will receive a decision by email from the Indigenous Program.
What if I am not selected? Will feedback be provided?
While we do not offer automatic feedback, we are happy to schedule an appointment to discuss applications individually.
If you have additional questions, please contact maya_austin_ext@sundance.org.
2025 Graton Artist Opportunity
The Sundance Institute | Graton Artist Opportunity serves to cultivate a stage for artists from federally and non-federally recognized California Indian tribes to tell their stories through film. Artists will receive access to curated courses from the Sundance Institute Collab platform, which provides a virtual destination for emerging artists to learn craft and career strategies and to build community through courses, workshops, advisor sessions, extensive resources, and virtual community gatherings.
Eligibility:
Indigenous artists who are from a California-based tribe.
Apply:
The application is now open.
Deadline:
Thursday, July 31, 2025, 3:30 p.m. PT/4:30 p.m. MT/6:30 p.m. ET
Notification Date:
TBD on a Rolling Basis
*Dates/Location:
TBD - Online
Application Requirements:
Must provide proof of California-based tribal membership and/or agree to work with a Graton Tribal Representative to gather and submit paperwork to verify descendancy.
FAQ Graton Fellowship
What will I need to apply?
All applicants must submit a completed online application by the deadline of July 31, 2025 (3:30 p.m. PT/4:30 p.m. MT/6:30 p.m. ET).
In addition to responding to the required application questions, a complete application includes a short bio, headshot, résumé, and proof of tribal affiliation or lineal descendancy to a California-based tribe.
How do I provide proof of tribal affiliation or lineal descendancy?
Examples of proof of tribal affiliation or lineal descendancy may include your Tribal ID card, CDIB, or any other documentation that may pertain to your connection to your tribal community. If you have any questions, please reach out to us at maya_austin_ext@sundance.org.
What benefits do I receive as part of this opportunity?
With the support of Sundance Institute and the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria, Graton Collab Artists will receive one-on-one support to curate a Collab program to help advance their project or deepen their professional goals. In addition to the one-on-one support, the Graton Collab Artist will receive yearlong access to Collab.
Why is this opportunity available only to artists with tribal affiliations in California?
The Indigenous Program offers creative support to our global community of Indigenous artists through the Merata Mita Fellowship, Native Lab, and other opportunities offered throughout the year. The Graton Collab Artist Opportunity is made possible as part of a $4 million endowment from the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria to facilitate support for Indigenous Californians. California is one of the most tribally diverse states in the nation. While many films are made on their ancestral lands, the California Native perspective is underrepresented on and behind the screen. This opportunity aims to identify and cultivate California Native filmmakers to share their stories.
Do I need a project to apply?
No, you do not need a project to apply. This opportunity can support you at any stage in your career or project development.
What is the review process?
The Indigenous Program staff will thoroughly review each application, and decisions will be made on a rolling basis. The Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria will complete additional verification of tribal enrollment or affiliation. Applicants will receive a decision by email from the Indigenous Program.
What if I am not selected? Will feedback be provided?
While we do not offer automatic feedback, we are happy to schedule an appointment to discuss applications individually.
If you have additional questions, please contact maya_austin_ext@sundance.org.