CALT Black Appalachian Storytellers Fellowship Grant

The CALT Black Appalachian Storytellers Fellowship, supported by the Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation, celebrates and preserves the rich traditions of Black Appalachian storytelling. This fellowship honors those who embody the history and culture of African Americans in the region. Each year, fellows are recognized at the National Black Storytelling Festival and Conference, receiving awards crafted by Dr. Dena Jennings. The program fosters a deeper understanding of these traditions and invites fellows to share their stories at future events.

Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation
Mid Atlantic Arts nurtures and funds the creation and presentation of diverse artistic expression and connects people to meaningful arts experiences within our region and beyond.
Created in 1979, Mid Atlantic Arts supports artists, presenters, and organizations through unique programming, grant support, partnerships, and information sharing. We combine state and federal funding with private support from corporations, foundations, and individuals to nurture diverse artistic expression while connecting people to meaningful arts experiences within our region and beyond.
This program honors and promotes the understanding of Black Appalachian storytelling traditions that embody the history, heritage, and culture of African Americans in the region. The Fellows are honored each year at the “In the Tradition…” National Black Storytelling Festival and Conference. The Black Appalachian Storytellers Fellowships are part of Mid Atlantic Arts’ Central Appalachia Living Traditions program.
The 2024 Fellows will be honored at the 42nd annual “In The Tradition…” National Black Storytelling Festival and Conference in Buffalo, NY, October 23 – 25. They are also invited to present at the 2025 Festival and Conference. Each Fellow will receive a physical award created by Virginia gourd carver and instrument maker Dr. Dena Jennings.

Eligibility

Applicants must:Represent one of the counties designated by the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) in Kentucky, North Carolina, Ohio, Tennessee, West Virginia, or Virginia.Applicants do not need to reside in an ARC-designated county, but should have strong ties to Black Appalachian identity and heritage, such as being born there or maintaining family connections.Have the commitment and proven ability to sustain the traditions of Black storytelling.Identify as an oral tradition culture bearer and reflect the story-sharing traditions of family and/or community.