The Arts and Education Council (A&E) is accepting applications for the spring 2019 Katherine Dunham Fellowship, a program that promotes diversity in arts leadership by giving African-American students and recent graduates an opportunity to explore, gain experience and be mentored in arts administration. Applications are due Oct. 29.

The Katherine Dunham Fellowship is a 16-week learning opportunity designed to prepare African-American individuals who have been historically under-represented in the field of arts administration for careers in the nonprofit arts and culture sector. It provides experience in arts administration, a $3,000 stipend and additional personal and professional enrichment opportunities. Fellows are immersed in fundraising, corporate relations, database management, fiscal and board management and marketing, all critical skills needed to manage an arts organization in the 21st century.

Named in honor of the dancer, choreographer and activist, the Katherine Dunham Fellowship was created and initially funded by Sara and Jack Burke then expanded in 2018 to support a second paid fellowship thanks to a generous gift from Carol Corey and William Holcomb. 

Applicants to the Katherine Dunham Fellowship must meet the following qualifications: 

  • Applicants must be African-American undergraduate juniors or seniors, recent graduates (1-3 years), or graduate level individuals.
  • Applicants may come from any academic discipline, not just the arts (ex: liberal arts, business, social work, marketing and communications, etc.).
  • Those with a genuine interest to lead and work for an arts organization or cultural institution (dance organizations, museums, theaters, symphonies, performing arts centers, etc.).
  • Must be able to work at least two full days per week (approximately 16 hours) between January and April during normal A&E business hours, Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.- 5:00 p.m. A&E is located in its Centene Center for the Arts, 3547 Olive Street, St. Louis, MO 63103 in the Grand Center Arts District.
  • Be able to spend approximately 2-5 hours per week on extracurricular activities outside of work (may include attending complimentary arts and culture events, social networking events, A&E special events, Katherine Dunham related events/classes, etc.).
  • Individual means of reliable transportation and a current driver’s license is required to apply.

For more information about the Katherine Dunham Fellowship and to apply, click here.