Sundance Collab's Cultural Impact Residency Grant

Sundance Collab's Cultural Impact Residency Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Sundance Institute
Last Updated: September 15, 2025

Summary

The Sundance Collab's Cultural Impact Residency, honoring Michael Latt, is a six-month online program supporting early-career, underrepresented storytellers focused on social impact. Running from March to August 2026, it offers mentorship, feedback sessions, and resources to eight selected fellows in screenwriting, directing, and documentary filmmaking. This opportunity is designed for works-in-progress, fostering a supportive creative community to inspire and develop impactful narratives.

Overview

Sundance Collab/Sundance Institute For over 40 years, the Sundance Institute has supported and championed independent artists, because we believe their stories and perspectives are essential to a thriving, informed and connected society. As a program of the Sundance Institute, Sundance Collab provides an unparalleled, open, inclusive digital destination and experience where independent global creators have a safe space to learn and grow as artists, share their stories, and connect to one another. Sundance Collab's Cultural Impact Residency In honor of social justice leader Michael Latt, this six-month online residency (March–August 2026) on Sundance Collab supports early-career, underrepresented storytellers whose work is rooted in creative, cultural, and social impact. The program aims to inspire and galvanize artists through meaningful opportunities, mentorship, and a supportive creative community. Up to eight fellows will be selected across three tracks: screenwriting/TV writing, writer/directing, and documentary filmmaking. These fellows will receive two dedicated meetings with Sundance Collab Advisors to provide feedback on their work, bi-monthly cohort meetings to check in and share work, and one meeting with the applicable Sundance Artist Program staff. Artists will also receive a Sundance Collab Library Pass to take advantage of the extensive Video Library, which includes Master Classes and Event Recordings, and two courses of their choosing. Projects can be at any stage, but the ideal applicant will have a draft of their project by the time finalists are selected. This opportunity is designed for works-in-progress projects where the applicant can receive advisor support on the project’s development.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Open to artists from any country, but English proficiency is a requirement as the program will be conducted in English.We define “early career” as having under seven years of experience, or as an artist working on a first project. We define “underrepresented artists” as individuals or groups who have historically faced barriers to access, recognition, or opportunities in the arts due to their identity, background, or circumstances. This can include, but is not limited to: Artists from historically marginalized communities.Women, non-binary, and gender-diverse individuals.LGBTQ2+ artists.Artists with disabilities or chronic illnesses.Artists from rural or underserved regions.Individuals with limited access to formal training or institutional support in the arts. College/university students are eligible to apply.

Ineligibility

We are not accepting co-creators or teams for this opportunity.