Sundance Institute’s 2027 Graton Fellowship offers two artists from California-based Native tribes US$25,000 each, mentorship and a year of creative support. Apply by 16 November 2026.
Background & Fellowship Description
The Sundance Institute is accepting applications for its 2027 Graton Fellowship, an opportunity designed to support artists from federally and non-federally recognized California Native tribes in telling their stories through film.
The fellowship aims to nurture Indigenous storytelling by providing financial support, creative guidance and opportunities to engage with Sundance Institute’s artist programmes.
Two selected fellows will each receive a US$25,000 cash grant and a yearlong programme of creative and professional support. This includes a trip to the Sundance Film Festival, access to strategic and creative services, and mentorship opportunities.
Applications are open, with a deadline of 16 November 2026.
Fellowship Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Organisation | Sundance Institute |
| Fellowship | 2027 Graton Fellowship |
| Field | Film and Indigenous storytelling |
| Number of fellows | 2 |
| Award | US$25,000 per selected fellow |
| Additional benefits | One year of creative support, mentorship and access to artist programmes |
| Eligible applicants | Artists from California-based Native tribes |
| Application fee | None |
| Application deadline | 16 November 2026 |
| Notification | Late December 2026, date to be confirmed |
| Official application | Apply through Sundance Institute |
Fellowship Benefits and Creative Support
The 2027 Graton Fellowship offers selected artists financial assistance and opportunities to develop their creative work and professional networks.
Financial Support
Each of the two selected fellows will receive a US$25,000 cash grant to support their artistic journey.
Creative Development and Mentorship
Fellows will receive a yearlong continuum of support, including access to strategic and creative services offered through Sundance Institute artist programmes. Mentorship opportunities will also help participants develop their storytelling and creative practice.
Sundance Film Festival Experience
The fellowship includes a trip to the Sundance Film Festival, giving selected artists an opportunity to engage with the festival and its creative community. The supplied announcement lists 26–27 January 2027 in Denver, Colorado, with details marked as subject to confirmation.
The fellowship is intended to help artists from California Native tribes bring their stories to the screen while accessing resources that support their creative development.
Qualifications and Eligibility
The published eligibility requirement states that applicants must be artists from a California-based tribe.
The programme is intended for artists from both federally recognized and non-federally recognized California Native tribes.
Applicants should review the official application guidelines and frequently asked questions to confirm the complete eligibility requirements and any additional submission materials needed.
Additional Information
Applications opened on 1 September 2026 and close on 16 November 2026.
The application deadline stated in the fellowship description is 3:30 p.m. Pacific Time, 4:30 p.m. Mountain Time or 6:30 p.m. Eastern Time. Applicants should confirm the deadline displayed in the official application portal before submitting.
Notifications are expected in late December 2026, although the exact date has not been confirmed.
Application fee: There is no application fee.
How to apply: Visit the official 2027 Graton Fellowship application page, review the eligibility criteria and application instructions, and submit your application before the deadline.
For additional questions, applicants can contact indigenous_program@sundance.org.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the Sundance Institute Graton Fellowship?
It is a fellowship supporting artists from California Native tribes in sharing their stories through film, with financial assistance and creative development opportunities.
2. How much funding does the fellowship provide?
Two selected fellows will each receive a US$25,000 cash grant.
3. Who is eligible to apply?
The fellowship is for artists from California-based Native tribes, including federally and non-federally recognized tribes.
4. What additional benefits are included?
Selected fellows receive a year of creative support, mentorship opportunities, access to Sundance Institute artist programme services and a trip to the Sundance Film Festival.
5. Is there an application fee?
No. The fellowship announcement states that there is no application fee.
6. What is the application deadline?
Applications close on 16 November 2026. Applicants should verify the applicable time zone on the official application portal.
7. When will applicants be notified?
Notifications are expected in late December 2026, with the exact date still to be determined.
8. How can I apply?
Submit your application through the official Sundance Institute Graton Fellowship portal.
Opportunities Feed Assessment
The 2027 Graton Fellowship offers financial and creative support for eligible artists seeking to develop film projects that tell stories from California Native communities. Its US$25,000 grant, mentorship and yearlong support programme are central benefits for applicants who meet the fellowship’s specific tribal eligibility requirements.
Disclaimer: Opportunities Feed shares fellowship and funding opportunities for informational purposes. It is not affiliated with Sundance Institute and does not administer the fellowship. Applicants should confirm eligibility, submission requirements and dates through the official application portal.
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