"With these powerful arts resources, we are breaking the chains of trauma — turning them into links of community and connection.”

MARTINE PHILIPPE, AWBW COMMUNITY ART ACTION MANAGER

Social Justice Art Innovation Program

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

Art can be an effective tool for promoting social justice by raising awareness, initiating dialogue, challenging dominant narratives, and affecting lasting change. 

Our Social Justice Art Innovation Program cultivates the leadership and lived experience of Social Justice Art Innovators — select cohorts of Windows Facilitators focusing their time on using art as inspiration for change within the field of social justice. As Innovators use art to engage their communities, they will work with AWBW Staff to bring forward their learnings and experiences to co-create valuable resources that can benefit the Community of Practice and the public at large. 

AWBW’s Social Justice Art Innovation Program consists of:

  • A unique year-long exploration of addressing social justice through art
  • Access to AWBW’s comprehensive suite of services
  • Scholarship-funded AWBW Two-Day Facilitator Training 
  • Art supply stipends
  • Participation in leadership roles designed capture expertise and spark inspiration within our Community of Practice and the public at large
  • Pathways to future leadership and mentorship roles
Download the Program Flyer
“I never thought I would connect with the [art] as much as I did today. I have more of an impact than what I thought. I can continue to make my community safer by advocating for people’s rights and for more inclusivity across our campus.”
11th Grade StudentRialto Unified School District, California
11th Grade Student
“The Windows art program has enabled participants to connect with their hopes and dreams, find the language to articulate their trauma, and reflect on meaningful ways of self-care and healing, in a safer, non-judgmental space.”
Unathi MahlatiJust Detention International, South Africa
Unathi Mahlati
"Drawing my depression makes me feel like I can cover it with love.”
Youth ParticipantPrism Youth, Kansas
Youth Participant
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APPLY

Thank you for your interest in the Social Justice Art Innovation Program. Please note the applications for the 2023/2024 cohort are closed as of May 31 at 5pm PT.

Visit our frequently asked questions below for more info. For additional questions, contact us at programs@awbw.org

2023 INNOVATORS

2022 FELLOWS

2021 FELLOWS

FAQs

EXPERIENCE & ELIGIBILITY

No, participants are not required to have a formal leadership position in their work or volunteer roles, but should be able to demonstrate their interest in further developing their leadership skills.

No, experience in the not-for-profit and public sectors, or experience in a role with an explicit social mandate, is not a requirement.

Yes, all Social Justice Art Innovators will be required to attend AWBW’s two-day training with their Innovator Cohort.

No. All applicants are welcome regardless of educational background.

While our organization is based in the Los Angeles area, our network of 750+ Windows Facilitators live all across the nation and abroad.  You are not required to live locally. You should, however, have a meaningful connection to the community you serve.

Please only apply once per application cycle.

Here are some qualities that contribute to a competitive application:

  • Time and capacity to attend online sessions and commit to fellowship work
  • Diverse skill sets, backgrounds and experiences
  • Commitment to driving social justice change
    Strong relationships and experience with the community/organization you plan to work with
  • Curiosity and openness to learning
    Personal and professional development goals for the Fellowship
  • Strong interest in working on the issues that are central to advancing social justice

All applications must be for one person only.  During the Fellowship, you will have the opportunity to collaborate and work with other fellows.

FUNDING

No. There are no fees for the AWBW Social Justice Fellowship. Your $1500 AWBW Facilitator Training scholarship  is supported by private donors.

The AWBW Social Justice Fellowship offers stipends to reduce the expense of art supplies for individuals served. Applications will be available during the last quarter of  the Fellowship.

PROGRAM DATES & TIMING

The AWBW Social Justice Fellowship runs from June 2022 to May 2023.

Fellowship activities include:

  • Mandatory two-day Facilitator Training
  • Introductory & Quarterly Cohort Meetings
  • Bi-monthly status and support sessions with AWBW Staff
  • Culminating vision session recording

Fellows will work collaboratively and therefore must be able to meet regularly with the cohort throughout the year-long Fellowship.

Successful candidates will receive a comprehensive program schedule prior to the first session.

No. All of our sessions will be held via Zoom.

Social Justice Art Innovators will be required to complete all aspects of the program within the program year (July 2023-July 2024), including attending all meetings, completing their chosen Innovator Opportunities from the Innovator Opportunity Menu, and submitting a program completion survey.

Fellowship applications are reviewed and scored by a review committee composed of AWBW stakeholders. Each Application is reviewed separately by multiple panel members. AWBW is committed to  producing a diverse fellowship that is considerate of the balance of  sector distribution, geographical location and demographics when finalizing application decisions.