Civil Liberties Project Fellowship

THE CIVIL LIBERTIES PROJECT FELLOWSHIP

The AjA Project is currently seeking five fellows to take part in the Civil Liberties Fellowship. Funded by the California State Libraries, this competitive fellowship is rooted in studying the socio-political context in which Japanese American Incarceration occurred in the United States. Using this moment in history as a departure point, the cohort will analyze historic images and documents from WWII era incarceration such as photography, political cartoons, newspaper clippings and executive order text. Fellows will be introduced to foundational Ethnic Studies concepts and engage in conversations about race, power, and representation. Fellows will have the opportunity to explore their personal narrative through activities and writing exercises exploring their connection to the overall subject and present day justice movements. Fellows will attend special lectures led by local artists and critical race studies experts to support the development of a photo project at the intersection of art and social justice. Fellows selected for this program will be paired with a mentor and be responsible for the completion of a community facing photo project and presentation. 

What was Japanese American Internment in the United States?

Following the bombing of Pearl Harbor, President Franklin Roosevelt authorized Executive Order 9066 on February 19th, 1942 which led to the forced removal and incarceration of approximately 120,000 individuals of Japanese ancestry of these, nearly 70,0000 were American citizens. The social political context in America during which this executive order was signed was marked by anti-asian and anti-immigrant sentiment. While the US government made no charges against individuals who were detained they were stripped of their civil liberties, lost their homes, property and freedom in the name of national security.  Ironically, during this period over 30,000 incarcerated Japanese Americans were drafted into WWII and issued a loyalty questionnaire which sought to examine their allegiance to the United States. Although individuals could not appeal their incarceration, many landmark supreme court cases surrounding these events put into question what it means to be American. 

In 1988 under The Civil Liberties Act the United States government issued a public apology and reparations to citizens who had been incarcerated in camps. Thanks to the relentless work of activists, community members, survivors, artists, and scholars we look to this time as a dark moment in US history that must be remembered and understood so it will not be repeated. 

Who should Apply

Proposals from individuals especially youth engaged in justice work at the intersections of art and social justice with a focus on photography are encouraged to apply. Emerging and early career individuals from the local and transborder region. BIPOC, LGBTQ+f Youth (16-25) and emerging artists who identify with historically underrepresented communities are strongly encouraged to apply. 

Application and Submission  

With the support of their assigned mentor and cohort each fellow in this program will complete a public facing photo project that includes an element of community engagement. While applicants are required to apply with a project, there is an understanding that proposed projects may shift upon acceptance into the program and under the guidance of assigned mentors.

For serious consideration, applicants should submit 2-3 work samples of their choice. (video, photo, website, portfolio, etc) A 1-2 page letter of intent and CV.  

The letter of intent should answer the questions below and include the following:

• How does your art or community practice reflect who you are? What are some of your passions and how would you like to grow as a professional artist?
• Consider the social justice or civil liberties issue your project will address and who the intended audience is if any? Outline the vision for the project you are proposing and what impact you hope your project will have.
• Why are you interested in being selected as a fellow for the Civil Liberties Project with the AjA Project and what do you hope to contribute to the fellowship space? 
• How would your participation in the Civil Liberties Fellowship support your personal growth?

Review and Selection
Selected applicants will be notified of their acceptance by Oct 23rd, 2020. Applicants who are to be considered for this fellowship will be invited to an interview with the lead project advisor as a final step towards acceptance into the program. 

Fellows will be selected based on project feasibility, relevance, and potential for growth. Each fellow will be paired with a local artist mentor to support the development and completion of their project and be allotted a project budget to support and execute their culminating work. Additionally, fellows will receive an honorarium of $500 for their participation. 

Submission Deadline: Oct 19th, 2020 

Program Begins: Oct 29th, 2020 

Meeting Times: 5-8pm Tuesday /Thursday via ZOOM

Activity Timeline: October 2020- Feb 2021

Fellows are required to attend all sessions and take full advantage of the fellowship including 1:1 meetings with mentors, special lectures, and check-ins with program advisors. Upon submission of your application please be sure to check your availability for the dates below. The second half of the fellowship will be more flexible and fellows will have the opportunity to designate a weekly meeting time with their mentors.

Submit Application to: Diana@ajaproject.org

Activity Timeline: October 2020- Feb 2021

Fellows are required to attend all sessions and take full advantage of the fellowship including 1:1 meetings with mentors, special lectures, and check-ins with program advisors. Upon submission of your application please be sure to check your availability for the dates below. The second half of the fellowship will be more flexible and fellows will have the opportunity to designate a weekly meeting time with their mentors.