In an era where art and activism are merging to create powerful platforms for social change, the YLAC Artivist Fellowship is offering a great platform and opportunity for young artists to bring positive change. Applications for the fellowship have been started so do not wait apply now if you are the right match for it.
Overview of the Fellowship
The Artivist Fellowship is a unique and immersive program designed to empower young artists to become agents of change through their creative work. It is a crossroads of art and activism, a space where artists harness their talent to influence and engage communities, spark conversations, and drive progress. This fellowship is a launchpad for individuals whose art is driven by a deep desire to contribute positively to the world.
Fellowship Important Dates
| Event | Date |
| Scholarship Deadline | 3rd September (Sunday) |
| Final Deadline | 1st October (Sunday) |
| Group Interview | 22nd October (Sunday) |
Check out the YLAC official Notification
Fellowship Themes for 2023
The 2023 fellowship will focus on three themes: Climate Justice, Gender Identity, and Disability Rights.
Roles of Fellows
- During the course of the fellowship, the Artivist Fellows will design campaigns to build awareness of the identified themes and advocate for changes.
- This may include on-ground initiatives within their school or local community as well as online social media interventions.
Fellowship Structure (Nov- Dec 2023)
The Artivist Fellowship is scheduled to run from 19th November to 17th December. The overall duration of the fellowship is five weeks and its schedule can be easily accommodated alongside regular school work and examinations.
Multiple cohorts of the fellowship will be run in parallel – two cohorts will run in hybrid mode with both offline and online sessions in the cities of Delhi and Mumbai, and one cohort will be run completely online (all sessions via Zoom). The schedule for all cohorts will be the same – with workshop sessions over the weekend and mentorship check-ins on Wednesday evenings.
At the start of the fellowship, each fellow will be allocated a theme and assigned to work with a team of 4-5 other fellows. On average, a fellow is expected to commit ~15 hours per week to the fellowship. This includes workshop sessions and mentorship check-ins, as well as time spent working with team members to build art-based local campaigns on the assigned theme.
Apply for YLAC Artivist Fellowship.
Selection Process & Deadlines
The selection process constitutes two rounds:
Round I: Written Application- to be submitted via the website
Round II: Shortlisted candidates are called for group interviews. This is an informal conducted offline (for offline cohorts)/ on Zoom (for online cohorts).
Fees & Scholarships
Fees
Rs. 10, 000 (+ GST @18%)
To make the program self-sustaining, we charge a fee to cover the operating costs of the program. This fee is payable only after an applicant has been selected for the program.
Scholarships
For the Artivist Fellowship, YLAC will offer scholarships worth 50% to 100% of the program fee to the selected candidates. To be considered for a scholarship, applicants must submit an additional essay explaining how they plan to use the learning from the program and why they need the scholarship to attend. They must also submit a short letter of recommendation from a teacher at school.
Application Procedure
To apply for the fellowship, please fill in the application form here. Please note that attendance at the program sessions is mandatory and all program deliverables are tightly managed and supervised to control for quality. Before you sign up, please ensure that you are available on the session days and can commit to the time required by the fellowship.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this Artivist fellowship?
The Artivist Fellowship is an exceptional opportunity for creative teenagers to use their skills to help make the world a better place. The fellowship seeks to leverage the power of art and storytelling to give teenagers a platform to voice their opinions and advocate for changes in the society that they live in. The goal is to use art to generate awareness, build empathy, and change mindsets to create a world that is inclusive and kind.
Why has it been instituted?
Amidst the boundless potential of art and the resounding voice of youth, this fellowship emerges as a catalyst for transformative change. We believe in the power of art to shape narratives and kindle movements. By equipping young individuals with the tools to harness their creative skills, we aim to raise awareness on critical issues and reach a wider audience, fostering a world that celebrates diversity, supports marginalized communities, and amplifies the voices that need to be heard the most.
3. Am I eligible to apply?
If you are studying in a school in grades 8th-12th, or are being home-schooled, and are between 13 to 18 years of age, you are eligible to apply. Students who are 18 years of age but have already completed school are not eligible.
What are the selection criteria?
We look for passionate and creative teen leaders who wish to see the world as a more inclusive and kind place. There are no prerequisites in terms of fields of study. The final evaluation of applicants is based on their responses to the questions in a short application form and their performance in a group interview.
How many fellows are selected?
The fellowship is designed to be extremely selective, with admit rates between 20-25%. We usually select 35-45 fellows for each cohort. In 2023, we will be running multiple cohorts in parallel – one in Delhi and Mumbai each, and 1-2 cohorts online.
How long is the fellowship?
The fellowship is a five-week commitment. After the fellowship launch, fellows meet every week for a couple of hours for skilling and mentorship sessions.
How much time will I commit?
On average, a student is expected to commit about 15 hours per week. This includes the online/offline workshop sessions and mentorship check-ins, as well as time spent curating and implementing the campaign for the allocated theme.
Do I get a certificate?
Yes, fellows are given a certificate of completion at the end of the fellowship and those who demonstrate leadership and curate successful campaigns are duly recognized.
