The Black Genius Foundation (TBGF) celebrates and invests in the intellectual and creative genius of Black artists, arts professionals and arts organizations that have committed themselves to creating and supporting work dedicated to and rooted in the African Diaspora. Through granting and awards, public programs and digital initiatives, TBGF elevates the past-present-future continuum of how the African Diaspora continues to define genius.
Please feel free to learn about our support opportunities below.
ABOUT THE STROKES OF GENIUS FELLOWSHIP
The Strokes of Genius Fellowship (Strokes of Genius) is an open application program that provides artists, curators, journalists, and scholars with funding to develop new creative projects. Awarding twenty (20) fellowships with a $2,500 grant, feedback support from The Black Genius Foundation Staff and mentorship support from Strokes of Genius Project Advisors, Strokes of Genius fulfills our commitment to invest in the creativity and cultural production of Black artists and arts professionals and our dedication to nurturing the creative health of our communities.
ELIGIBILITY
To be eligible to apply for Strokes of Genius, applicants must be:
- Applicants must be US based. The Black Genius Foundation defines the U.S. as all 50 of the United States, as well as Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and American Samoa.
- Applicants must be 18 years or older
- Applicants should be the principal creator of the work
- Applicant should have a defined artistic practice, aesthetic and point of view reflecting rigor and commitment to craft
- Applicant should have at least five years of professional experience with a demonstrated record of achievement or body of work as noted by performances, exhibitions, reviews, commissions, grants, awards, residencies, fellowships, publications, screenings, or productions
- Applicant should not be currently enrolled in a degree granting program
- Proposed project should be completed within the funding cycle – November 1, 2026 - June 1, 2027
Eligible Projects:
The Strokes of Genius Fellowship can be used to support the following types of projects:
- The composing or recording of new music
- The creation of a new choreographic, theatrical, or multidisciplinary work
- The production of a video, film, television or multimedia project
- An arts podcast, social media or digital/online project
- A visual arts project
- A creative writing project
- The research, development and/or execution of a curatorial project or presentation
- The research or writing of an article, paper, or book for publication
Strokes of Genius Fellowship Requirements:
- One (1) Mid-term Update via video or written submission – Due February 1, 2027
- One (1) Final Report - Due June 1, 2027
Strokes of Genius Fellowship Benefits:
In addition to the $2,500 grant for the development of their new creative project, Strokes of Genius Fellow will also have the following additional benefits made available to them:
- Up to two (2) 30-minute Project Feedback Sessions with The with the Black Genius Foundation’s Chief Genius Officer during grant period
- Up to two (2) 30-minute consultation sessions with a Strokes of Genius Project Advisor; subject to availability
Strokes of Genius Application Evaluation Criteria
Please note that Strokes of Genius Fellows will be selected based on artistic merit as illustrated by the strength and quality of their application and feasibility of accomplishing their proposed project within the fellowship cycle.