Jonathan Sethna Harvardwood LGBTQ+ Fellowship
Application deadline: July 15th, 2024 11:59pm PT
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Harvardwood is excited to announce the second year of the Jonathan Sethna Harvardwood LGBTQ+ Fellowship for projects that elevate LGBTQ+ characters, themes, and stories by creatives and screenwriters who are Harvard University alumni.
The purpose of the Fellowship is to polish, develop, elevate, and amplify projects for the screen with LGBTQIA+ characters, themes, and stories. The gift, generously donated by Jonathan Sethna (HGSE ’03), will support at least one Fellow and their project with a grant of $5,000. Additional Fellows may also be awarded. In addition to grant funds, Fellows will receive one-on-one guidance and mentorship from Harvard Alumni that want to empower artists to make the world a better place through their stories.
The Sethna Harvardwood LGBTQ+ Fellow(s) will be announced by August 31, 2024, and the Fellowship will run from September 1, 2024 through August 31, 2025. Applicants may be at any stage of their career, and their chosen project must be a project for the screen (fiction or nonfiction, film or television). However, applicants can hold any relation to the work: writer, director, producer, etc.
Each Fellow will receive additional guidance and assistance through Harvardwood via programs, resources, and access to the wider Harvardwood network during their fellowship year.
“Harvardwood is so excited to have the opportunity to cultivate and promote art and artists’ work featuring LGBTQ+ stories, thanks to the generosity of donor Jonathan Sethna,” said Harvardwood Director Laura Frustaci (AB ‘21). “Growing up with two moms, there was a dearth of onscreen representation when it came to families that looked like mine. I hope that this fellowship and others like it can rectify that for younger generations. Now more than ever, we rely on art to heal and raise awareness about identities and communities that are frequently overlooked and even persecuted. We believe that this fellowship will bring to light impactful stories centered around talented and emerging LGBTQ+ voices and experiences.”
The Fellowship selection committee is comprised of Harvardwood board members, other industry professionals, and/or Harvard University staff with expertise in various artistic disciplines.
Eligibility
To apply, individuals may identify as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community or ally to the community, as long as the proposed project meets the fellowship goals of uplifting LGBTQIA+ characters/themes/stories. Applicants must be Harvard University alumni in order to complete the application, which must include a resume and an artist statement with a brief description of the envisioned project to be completed or substantially developed during the term of the Fellowship. Applicants should also include a work sample or portfolio.
The finalist round may include a virtual interview. Individuals who have previously been beneficiaries of Harvardwood grants or scholarships or have participated in Harvardwood programs are eligible as long as they meet the other terms of eligibility.
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Applicants must be full members of Harvardwood to be eligible for the funding, and applicants with monthly membership must either be members for at least six months prior to or following the application deadline.