The DEAR (Digital Evolution/Artist Retention) Fellowship is designed to give participating artists and arts practitioners of African descent the opportunity to connect, reflect, and strategize in a community of peers committed to growth and adaptation. All fellows will become part of a network of DEAR peers and gain access to community gatherings and shared resources. Offering the possibility of respite and revitalization, a central part of the Fellowship is the DEAR Virtual Retreat, which aims to tackle the challenges of the moment through a curated, online experience that offers opportunities for skills-based and reflective learning in an effort to cultivate greater personal and professional resilience for participants. Understanding that the trying and transformative nature of the moment calls for renewed creativity, purpose, and vision, this retreat is designed for practice, planning, and networking which we hope will strengthen our community of artists and nurture new prospects for collaboration and individual artistic growth.

The DEAR Virtual Retreat is organized as a community of peer learning, mentorship, and support which will explore a range of tools and practices that cut across disciplines and levels of experience, to further strengthen artists’ ability to create, teach, and promote their work in our present context and beyond. This digital convening space will include facilitated learning and visioning circles, skills-based workshops, individual and small group reflection and practice space, self-paced professional development activities, and one-to-one peer support and networking opportunities. 

DEAR WILL BRING TOGETHER LEADERS IN THE FIELD ACROSS DISCIPLINES AND AREAS OF PRACTICE.

MASTER WORKSHOPS WILL INCLUDE:

• Artist/Project Narrative Development

• Social Media and Digital Strategy

• Grant Writing

• Intellectual Property Rights

If selected, participants are expected to commit to and complete all virtual sessions, as well as be present on video throughout the entire retreat.

ABOUT THE LEAD FACILITATOR

Marinieves Alba is an educator, cultural worker, and writer born and raised in New York City. She has worked in the international NGO and non-profit sector for over two decades, specializing in issues related to racial and cultural equity in the arts, education, and social justice more broadly. A veteran trainer and facilitator, Marinieves is an advocate for holistic approaches to capacity building and leadership development and incorporates restorative practices, mindfulness, and non-violent communication (NVC) into her work as a team builder, leader, and coach.

For more information, you can email malba@cccadi.org.