August Wilson Community Artist-Scholar Award (Due: Ongoing)
August Wilson Community Artist-Scholar Award
Deadline: Ongoing
The University of Pittsburgh Library System (ULS) is pleased to offer an August Wilson Archive Community Artist-Scholar program to provide support and incentive for local artists and scholars to explore the August Wilson Archive held by ULS Archives & Special Collections (A&SC). Each awarded Community Artist-Scholar will receive an honorarium of $2,000 to support their research activities in the archive, as well as a commitment for consultative research support from ULS librarians and archivists. Awardees will be expected to publicly communicate and share their work at a public event hosted by the ULS.
What is the August Wilson Archive?
The August Wilson Archive contains scripts and production materials of his American Century Cycle plays, Wilson’s personal library and music collection, artwork, poetry, unpublished work including non-Cycle plays, speeches, essays, and interviews. Materials range from audio recordings, awards and degrees, books, correspondence, newspapers, magazines, notebooks, writing tablets, photographs, posters, production designs, props, scripts, and video recordings. The materials are available in Hillman Library on the Pitt campus in Oakland in the A&SC Reading Room anytime between Monday – Friday (9 AM – 4:45 PM). The content and arrangement of the collection is described in the finding aid.
Eligibility
Previous experience working with an archive is NOT required. A&SC staff will help orient Community Artist-Scholars to Wilson and the collection of materials through structured sessions scheduled at a mutually convenient time. The Outreach and Engagement Coordinator will be available for questions related to the collection’s contents, but Community Artist-Scholars are encouraged to schedule their own research appointments for further study.
Who should apply?
We accept artists from all disciplines including visual, performance, and written art. We accept all art mediums. We cannot offer studio space or living accommodation. We encourage Community Artist-Scholars from the Pittsburgh area to apply; you must be able to travel to Hillman Library to consult with the collection. (Our building and reading room are ADA-compliant.) Please enquire about transportation support.
Deadline: Ongoing
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis as they are received by ULS staff including the August Wilson Outreach and Engagement Coordinator. You can expect to receive a response within 2 weeks of submission.
Outcome:
This will culminate in publicly showcasing the work of the Community Artist-Scholar in Hillman Library, one of Pitt’s Community Engagement Centers, or another venue. The ULS will provide a reasonable amount of support toward exhibition costs. Community Artist-Scholars are encouraged to estimate their display/exhibit costs.