Social Innovation Fellowship
The Social Innovation Fellowship is our new professional development program for creatives and cultural entrepreneurs. Fellows receive coaching, training, technical assistance, and additional funding while critiquing and supporting each other to build their individual and collective capacity for transformative change and abundance.
ABOUT THE FELLOWSHIP
The Social Innovation Fellowship, supported by the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA), is an extension of our Creative Equations Fund (CEF), a regranting initiative dedicated to arts for social justice. Each cohort is made up of 11 individuals, with priority given to individuals receiving a CEF: Social Innovation + Cultural Entrepreneurship grant.
Through this Fellowship, we assert that Brooklyn neighborhoods are the incubators of distinct cultures and practices and invest in the next generation of leaders who can foster approaches to racial, gender, and ethnic justice and ensure a self-sustaining Brooklyn arts community.
This year, we awarded an additional $1,500 to each Fellow, for a total of $16,500.
Art & Social Innovation podcast
The debut episode of BAC’s Art & Social Innovation Podcast, features a compelling conversation between BAC Executive Director Rasu Jilani and Desiree Gordon, Executive Director of Ifetayo Cultural Arts Academy. As the visionary strategists behind the Social Innovation Fellowship, Rasu and Desiree share the inspiration that sparked the program and their commitment to empowering Brooklyn’s cultural entrepreneurs with the tools to drive meaningful, lasting social change.
Credits:
Executive Producer: Brooklyn Arts Council
Podcast Producer: Mai-Elka Prado Gil
Creative Direction: Mai-Elka Prado Gil
Videography & Editing: Rex Services
Audio Producer & Editor: Kyra Assibey-Bonsu
Guest Speakers: Desirée Gordon & Rasu Jilani
Production Support: Skye Kowaleski
Special Thanks To:
Creative Milieu Consulting Group
Ifetayo Cultural Arts Academy
New York State Council on the Arts
2024 Fellows
Jeremiah O. Ojo (Senior Fellow) | Ilèkùn Wa
Emma Alpert | Multitude Films
Asmaa Amadou
Michael Aryee & Ragnhild “Ragz” Bruland | Flex Dance Program
Danielle Brown, PhD.
Ginou Choueiri
Chief Baba Neil Clarke
Rochelle Jamila
Tilly J. Lapidos | Vers :: Clothing for People
Harvey Leon | Byas & Leon
Sirlenda Williams | SO GROUNDED™
Shaun Neblett | Bed-Stuy Art House
Apply Now
Our 2025 Grants Cycle is now closed.
Please note that Creative Equations Fund applications include a question to indicate interest in the Fellowship. Review application guidelines thoroughly before beginning your application to make sure you are eligible.
Guidelines
The guidelines below apply to the Creative Equations Fund. Refer to each specific grant track for funding priorities and additional restrictions.
Info Sessions
Join us for a Info Session where we’ll give you tips on how to write a successful proposal. We highly recommend that you attend.
BECOME A GRANT PANELIST
2025 Panelist Nominations are now closed.
Want to become involved with Brooklyn Arts Council's grantmaking efforts? We welcome you to become a panelist for our upcoming cycle of grant applications.
QUESTIONS?
Is your question missing from our F.A.Q. page? Contact our grants department at GRANTS@BROOKLYNARTSCOUNCIL.ORG.