Santa Monica Announces 2019-2020 Artist Fellowships

August 20, 2019 3:01 PM

SANTA MONICA, Calif. – Playwright Larissa Fasthorse and writer/performer/director Leilani Chan have each been selected to receive the Santa Monica Artist Fellowships for 2019-2020. In addition, three artists will receive Project Fellowships: choreographer Melissa Barak, photographer Anthony Friedkin, and visual artist Elena Siff. Direct support for artists is a City priority, and the Artist Fellowship program is among the largest, public-sector individual artist programs in the United States.  

"It is especially meaningful to receive this grant from my adopted home, Santa Monica,” said playwright Larissa Fasthorse, a Sicangu Lakota Nation member. “I am proud to live in a small city that places such importance on art and local artists. I hope their example is seen widely and replicated." 

Now in its tenth year, the Artist Fellowship has supported the vital creative output and world-class visions of some of the most talented artists based in Santa Monica and all of California. The program reinforces Santa Monica’s rich diversity and the community’s high regard for innovation and the fine arts. The two artists selected for the Artist Fellowship will receive $20,000 and the three artists selected for the Project Fellowships are awarded $4,200 annually. Award amounts are substantial to ensure the program has an impact on artistic productivity given the City’s high cost of living. 

A panel of five arts professionals recommended the awardees to the City of Santa Monica’s Arts Commission:

For bios of the selected artists, visit https://www.santamonica.gov/arts/artist-fellows 

### 

 

Media Contact

Miranda Iglesias
Public Information Coordinator
Miranda.Iglesias@SMGOV.NET