Harvardwood Artist Launch Fellowship

Harvardwood is pleased to announce the Mia and David Alpert Harvardwood Artist Launch Fellowship for graduating seniors or recent Harvard alumni working or seeking to work in the arts, media, and entertainment fields. The multiyear gift, generously created in 2021 by Harvardwood Co-Founder Mia Riverton Alpert ’99 and her husband, producer and media entrepreneur David Alpert ‘97, includes a $24,000 per-artist grant, awarded annually, to support one or more recent graduates from the College for one year as they pursue their artistic projects. Each Alpert Harvardwood Fellow is also paired with a mentor in their field of interest to help guide their creative endeavors and will receive additional assistance through Harvardwood.

 

The Harvardwood Artist Launch Fellowship is awarded annually to a different artist or artists. Grant funds can be used at the grantee’s discretion. The purpose of the funds is to provide the opportunity for an individual to choose the pursuit of artistic endeavors without consideration of financial need for the duration of the grant period. There is no restriction on the artistic field; musicians, dancers, visual artists, actors, writers, filmmakers and artists/creators in all disciplines are encouraged to apply. 

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“Creating more equitable access to careers in the arts has been a lifelong passion for us and was a motivating force behind Harvardwood’s founding in 1999.  David and I are honored to support the next generation of emerging Harvard artists as they begin their professional journeys,” said Mia Riverton Alpert.

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Harvardwood President Allison Kiessling said, "We have long known that to have a greater impact we need to invest more deeply in individual artists. This fellowship will allow Harvardwood to amplify our efforts to promote diversity, equity and the positive impact of new voices in the arts. We are incredibly grateful for the Alperts’ generosity."

The Fellowship selection committee is comprised of Harvardwood board members, other industry professionals, and Harvard University staff with expertise in various artistic disciplines.

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Read the 2021 Crimson article on the Mia and David Alpert Harvardwood Artist Launch Fellowship here. 
 

Eligibility

To apply, individuals must be current Harvard College seniors (anticipated graduation date no later than May 2024) or have graduated from Harvard College within the past three years (between May 2021 and May 2024) and must be or have graduated in good academic standing with no disciplinary infractions. Please note that students or alumni currently participating in a dual-degree program or graduate degree program that extends beyond the current academic year will not be eligible to apply until they are in the final year of their dual-degree or graduate degree program (assuming they meet all other eligibility requirements at that time). If a Fellowship is offered to an individual who is also accepted into a graduate degree program for the upcoming academic year, they may be asked to defer either the Fellowship or the graduate program for a specified period of time. Individuals who have previously been beneficiaries of Harvardwood grants, fellowships or scholarships (other than HALF) or have participated in other Harvardwood programs are eligible if they meet the other terms of eligibility.

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Applicants must complete the application form, provide a resume, a work sample or portfolio, an introductory video, an artist statement (in written, audio or video format), a letter of recommendation, a creative plan with an overview of envisioned projects to be completed or substantially developed during the term of the Fellowship, and a projected budget for the term of the Fellowship. The finalist round will include a virtual interview

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Deadline 

The application is due at midnight PST on Monday January, 22nd, 2024. Recommendation letters are due no later than Jan. 31, 2024.