About the Issues

Artists have always been at the forefront of social change, and today is no different. As Detroiters navigate an evolving set of racial injustices sparked by gentrification, water shutoffs, disproportionate climate change burden, food insecurity, education reform failure, mass incarceration, and more, how are the city's artists raising consciousness through visual art, music, spoken word, and other media? And what impact are they having?

The Fall 2019 cohort will report on untold stories about the social impact of arts and culture in Detroit. We are looking for stories about creators of color in Detroit who not only have something to say (and are saying it) through artistic media, but are also having an impact in their communities and in the broader conversation on the social injustices faced by Detroiters. Specifically, we are looking for stories that demonstrate how artists and creators of color are responding to the social injustices faced by their communities. Stories may also examine how communities are responding to these impacts through art education, artists' collectives, self-advocacy, and self-healing.

Possible topics to explore may include:

Artist profiles

• Who are the artists pushing the boundaries of creativity at the cutting edge of social change in Detroit?
• What are the burdens and challenges faced by these artists as a consequence of their color and/or socioeconomic status, and how are they addressing them in their lives and in their art?
• What impact have these artists had on their communities and on the broader society?

Art scene / art economy

• How accessible is the art economy in Detroit to grassroots artists, artists of color, and low-income artists?
• How do low-income artists and artists of color find their way to securing the space, time, and funding required to create art and reach an audience in the Detroit art scene today?

Artists collectives

• How are low-income artists and artists of color creating their own communities and opportunities for their art?
• How are those communities engaging with issues of social change, and what impact are they making?

About the Opportunity

This is a unique opportunity to cover critical issues and receive funding to help cover transportation and other reporting expenses.

This paid fellowship is open to staff reporters and editors, and to freelance journalists, and is awarded on a competitive basis. The fellowship is structured to allow flexibility for journalists with full-time jobs or other obligations.

The grants are available for print, radio, and video journalists. Since DEAL is not a media outlet, independent/freelance journalists must pitch stories to outlets on their own. To qualify, applicants must identify to which news outlets they will pitch their stories. Outlets should be respected, well-known, credible, independent journalism platforms.