The most powerful stories are the ones waiting to be told. Through the courage of our fellows, we uncover histories, ignite creativity, and transform the world.
The WILLA Foundation supports artists whose work preserves and tells the histories of American families and communities, especially the stories the record left out.
Our fellowships are meticulously designed to align with this mission, each targeting different stages of artistic development to foster a comprehensive and inclusive creative community.
Willa Rising Fellowship
Target Group: Early-career creatives, including high school students, college students, or recent graduates in the initial stages of their artistic journeys.
Alignment with Mission: This fellowship embodies our commitment to education and storytelling by nurturing emerging Black artists. By providing mentorship, resources, and platforms for young creatives, we empower them to define their narratives, challenge stereotypes, and showcase unique perspectives. This initiative ensures that the next generation of Black storytellers is equipped to contribute meaningfully to the arts, thereby preserving and promoting Black narratives.
Willa Emerging Fellowship
Target Group: Individuals embarking on new creative careers later in life.
Alignment with Mission: Artistic expression knows no age limits. This fellowship supports people who bring a lifetime of experience to a new creative path, enriching our work with perspectives that only time can give.
Willa Horizon Fellowship (TBA)
Target Group: Mid-career artists with five or more years of experience seeking to expand their impact or explore new creative horizons.
Alignment with Mission: This fellowship supports artists who have established themselves and are ready to push further. By funding growth and experimentation, we keep this work dynamic and give mid-career storytellers room to take on bigger histories.
Willa Legacy Fellowship
Target Group: Late-career or highly established artists recognized for their significant contributions to the arts.
Alignment with Mission: Seasoned artists carry knowledge worth passing on. This fellowship brings their wisdom into WILLA through leadership and mentorship, including a seat on the board, so that what they have learned shapes the artists coming up behind them.
Together, these fellowships create a continuum of support that reflects the WILLA Foundation's mission: to use artistic expression to find, preserve, and share the stories that were never written down. By meeting artists at every career stage, we build a community of storytellers who keep history honest, personal, and alive.
Voices of Transformation: Meet Our Fellows
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Milady Hartmann
Milady is a versatile visual artist whose work spans sculpture and painting, showcasing the power of storytelling through texture and form. As the Willa Legacy Fellow, she serves as both an Artist-in-Residence and a board member. She explores themes of identity and community while pushing boundaries in traditional and experimental mediums. Her creative journey inspires meaningful conversations about art's role in shaping cultural narratives.
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Oluremi
The Willa Foundation is proud to announce Oluremi as the Willa Emerging Fellow. This ten-month fellowship focuses on inclusive historical truth-telling, delving into the inception of the U.S. Constitution and the United States. Through comprehensive research and storytelling, Oluremi aims to uncover and share a fuller, more nuanced historical narrative.
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Skye Jefferson
Skye Jefferson has been named the Willa Rising Fellow. This ten-month fellowship, designed for high school juniors and seniors, emphasizes writing and development. With guidance and support, Skye will advance her project from in-depth research to pre-production, showcasing her talent and dedication.