For the creative who moonlights
This week's voice
"I am deliberate and afraid of nothing."
Audre Lorde, poet and writer
Hi {{first_name default="there"}},
A big week. We have film fellowships, a NASA storytelling call, a $20,000 short film award, and more — plus three deadlines closing this Sunday. Read through carefully, then go claim something.
This week's opportunities
Writing | Film
NBC TV Writers Program
Fellowship — paid, with staffing consideration
NBCUniversal's premier fellowship for emerging episodic television writers. You develop an original pilot — keeping all rights — and are paired with NBCUniversal executives who mentor you through writing and polishing samples for staffing. Built for writers with distinct points of view and lived experiences. No fee to apply.
Film | Women, BIPOC, LGBTQ+
Half Initiative Director Shadowing Program
Paid mentorship on a Ryan Murphy Production
Half Initiative places emerging and mid-career women, BIPOC, LGBTQ, non-binary, and minority directors on Ryan Murphy Productions to shadow a professional episodic director from pre-production through post. Mentees receive a significant stipend covering travel, lodging, and personal obligations — plus ongoing panels, workshops, and networking after the placement. No fee to apply.
Film
Sofia Coppola Short Film Award
$20,000 + mentorship
This award is looking for a filmmaker with a distinct creative point of view, confident visual sensibility, and an instinct for storytelling that feels personal and unmistakably their own. The winner receives $20,000 to produce a short film, plus mentoring support. If your work has a voice, submit it.
All Disciplines | Black Creatives
Advancing Black Arts in Pittsburgh
Grant — amount varies
Funds individual artists, residencies, nonprofits, and community programs with a documented history of producing or presenting Black art advancing the art of the African diaspora. Eligible disciplines include film, music, dance, design, literary arts, theater, visual art, and more. No fee to apply.
Film
SFFILM Rainin Filmmakers with Disability Grant
$5,000–$25,000
Supports filmmakers who identify as having a disability, working on films that address stories within the disability community. Awards made in screenwriting, development, or post-production — for features and shorts, narrative and documentary. At least one grant reserved for a Bay Area filmmaker. Recipients also receive access to FilmHouse and SFFILM's artist development programs. No fee to apply.
Five opportunities this week. More in the database — filtered by discipline, community, and deadline.
Browse all new opportunitiesClosing before Sunday
On our radar — closed this week
These deadlines have passed, but the organizations behind them are worth knowing. Follow them, bookmark them, and be ready when they open again.
Residency | All Disciplines
Giancarlo DiTrapano Foundation: 2026 Italy Residency
Closed June 7, 2026 | Fully funded residency
A fully funded stay at a 17th-century villa in Sezze Romano, Italy — airfare and room and board included. Open to any creative discipline. Watch for next year's cycle.
Visit gdtfoundation.orgVisual Art | All Communities
Beloved Community Artist Series Open Call
Closed June 8, 2026 | Solo exhibition + private dinner
One artist selected for a solo exhibition, intimate artist talk, and private dinner with collectors, curators, and cultural leaders. This series runs ongoing — follow them for the next open call.
Visit belovedcommunityartist.comFilm | Black Creatives
Black Film Space: Proof of Concept Short Film Grant
Closed June 12, 2026 | $8,000 + Jamaica shoot location
Funding for one Black filmmaker's short film script serving as a feature proof of concept. Black Film Space runs ongoing programs — follow them and be ready for the next round.
Visit blackfilmspace.comPhotography | Women
Arc'teryx x Ori Women's Creative Grant
Closed June 3, 2026 | $5,000 + print feature
Honored female storytellers with a place in Ori's upcoming print edition and $5,000 in funding. Watch Ori for future open calls across photography, writing, and film.
Visit ori.coOpen Call | Photography
Atlanta Center for Photography: New South, Volume III
Closed June 14, 2026 | Print publication feature
ACP's third New South group publication actively sought photographers who identify as Black, Indigenous, Latinx, Asian, LGBTQ+, and people with disabilities. Follow ACP for Volume IV.
Visit atlantagallery.orgResidency | All Disciplines
Summer Residency: Georgia (South Caucasus)
Closed June 15, 2026 | Fully funded, 2 weeks
Forty artists selected for a fully covered two-week residency in August 2026 — round-trip travel, materials, and daily meals all included. This program runs annually. Add it to your radar for next year.
Watch storystake.co for next cycleGo apply for something this week. The work you are making deserves support.
With you,
Latavia
Founder, StoryStake