Neekoee Foundation

Neekoee Foundation extends its commitment towards the cause of supporting artists and their work in the second year of these unprecedented times. As we yet grapple with the pandemic, the uncertainty, fear, grief, loss and isolation, we are delighted to announce Art fellowships, in collaboration with Smithsonian Folklife Festival, for the young artists in the field of visual and performing arts. The intention is to galvanize artistic action and help sustain art practices through these difficult times.

The art fellowships are a step in the direction of thinking about the many ways in which change could take us. Can we imagine alternative communities, collaborations, and solidarities emerging out of our current predicament? Can we point towards new systems for disseminating works of art? Can we produce artistic approaches which adapt to the new reality, or help to shape it? Can we resume art practice under these extraordinary pressures, and if yes, how? These art fellowships are an opportunity to navigate the new normal and find different, out of the box experiments for the young artist and discover new experiences for the audience as well. 

Proposals for new projects are invited from artists working in the medium of painting, sculpture, theatre, video, photography, sound, performance, software/code, dance, public sites, internet, writers or any other. Proposals might take the form of social practice, collaborative performance, interactive art, artist-led production, or creative processes. Proposals may be anchored in strong research, or may explore cross-disciplinary practices. The fellowships are open to established and emerging definitions of art practice. 

A jury of eminent people will select the awardees. The final grantees will be mentored by – 

• Sharmila Samant (Visual Artist | Faculty, Dept. Art, Design and Performance, Shiv Nadar University)
• Amitesh Grover (Performance-based Artist & Curator | Faculty, National School of Drama)

Eligibility:

• Age Group : up to 35 years
• Not currently enrolled in any University/College/Institution
• Indian citizen or living in India for the last two years

Grant details: 

• Total fellowship Amount : 1.5 lakhs 
• Duration : 6 – 9 months
• The projects must culminate in a final showing. The nature that the showing may take will be in discussion with the mentors.

How To Apply

Write to us at neekoee2019@gmail.com with the following :

• Subject line- Neekoee Artist Fellowship – 2021
• Proposal (500 words max.)
• Artist Statement (300 words max)  
• Updated CV and Portfolio, 20 MB max (PDF format, as an attachment &  video provide Vimeo, YouTube links only) 
• Last date for submission September 30, 2021
• Applications which are not in the above format will not be accepted
• The projects must culminate in a final showing. The nature that the showing may take
  will be in discussion with the mentors
• Applications which are not in the above format will not be accepted

Changing minds through Arts! 

The Foundation strongly believes that art has several intrinsic benefits that enrich our emotions, stimulate our minds. Individuals and communities cherish arts and culture for these benefits. However, art also has an impact on social cohesion, education, local economies, health and wellbeing. By bringing thought provoking productions, delivering top quality workshops, supporting local artists and providing a platform to community members and students to engage with artists of international repute they aim to widen the reach of art and culture across social, economic and cultural divides in the society. The explicit charter of the Foundation is to bring these benefits for the improvement of the individual and the society by bridging communities and cultures of the region, country and the world.