CALT Black Appalachian Storytellers Fellowship - Mid Atlantic Arts
Applications are invited from Black storytellers with strong ties to Appalachian heritage in eligible counties to apply for a $5,000 fellowship, physical award, and NABS membership.
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Get matched →- Deadline
- annual cycle, check dates
- Entry fee
- Not listed - check the source
- Award
- $5,000
- Location
- National:
- Exhibition window
- Nov 3, 2026 → Nov 8, 2026
- Applicants notified
- Aug 31, 2026
About
Overview
Mid Atlantic Arts partners with the National Association of Black Storytellers (NABS) and South Arts on the Black Appalachian Storytellers Fellowships. This program honors and promotes the understanding of Black Appalachian storytelling traditions that embody the history, heritage, and culture of African Americans in the region. One Fellowship is awarded per year in each of six eligible states.
Award
- $5,000 in unrestricted funding
- Unique physical award created by a Black Appalachian artist
- NABS membership during award year
- Honored at the 44th National Black Storytelling Festival and Conference
- Invited to perform at the Festival the year following their award
Eligibility
- Represent one of the counties designated by the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) in Kentucky, North Carolina, Ohio, Tennessee, West Virginia, or Virginia
- Strong ties to Black Appalachian identity and heritage (born there or maintaining family connections)
- Commitment and proven ability to sustain the traditions of Black storytelling
- Identify as an oral tradition culture bearer and reflect story-sharing traditions of family and/or community
Key Dates
- Application opens: Monday, June 15, 2026
- Application deadline: Monday, August 10, 2026
- Decision notification: Monday, August 31, 2026
- 44th National Black Storytelling Festival and Conference: November 3-8, 2026, Crown Plaza Hotel, Warwick, Rhode Island
Contact
- Ellie Dassler, Program Director, Folk and Traditional Arts: [email protected]
- Joel Chapman, Program Associate, Folk and Traditional Arts: [email protected]
- Who this is for
- Black Appalachian identity and heritage
- Award
- $5,000 in unrestricted funding, a unique physical award created by a Black Appalachian artist, and NABS membership during award year
- Theme
- This fellowship honors and promotes Black Appalachian storytelling traditions that embody the history, heritage, and culture of African Americans in the Appalachian region.
- Eligibility
- Applicants must represent eligible Appalachian counties in Kentucky, North Carolina, Ohio, Tennessee, Virginia, or West Virginia; have strong ties to Black Appalachian identity and heritage; demonstrate commitment to sustaining Black storytelling traditions; and identify as an oral tradition culture bearer.
- Audience
- Black Appalachian storytellers
- Contact
- [email protected]
Every listing links to the organizer's official page. Always confirm deadlines, fees, and entry rules there before you apply.