AFIELD was conceived as a fellowship for social initiatives from arts and culture in 2014, under the umbrella of the art organization Council. The first fellowships were awarded to choreographer Lia Rodrigues and photographer Zanele Muholi.
In 2018, a decentralized structure was inaugurated by involving the network through a voting process. The same year, a mentorship program was added to the fellowship, where fellows could become mentors of younger initiatives for one year.
In 2020, during the Covid-19 pandemic, regular online gatherings of the entire network were initiated. The “Kitchen Calls” are occasions to discuss the program collectively, and share hopes and struggles.
In 2021, the mentorship grew into the study program. Titled “Together”, the first study program was led by Massimiliano Mollona. The same year, individual supporters joined the network and became active participants.
Former team members include Salome Burstein and Luz Angela Hernandez.
A facilitation group of 5 members advise on strategic decisions and lead the program. The larger network is consulted on matters related to new members election, including the annual fellowship and its related programs.
Current Facilitation group include: Grégory Castéra, Diana Campbell, Sandra Terdjman, Chantal Wong, Taeyoon Choi.
Meetings of the network, called “Kitchen calls” happen regularly. They are both informative — sharing news, common interests and challenges — and decision-oriented when it comes to changing the program or electing new members.
AFIELD exists thanks to a group of engaged collectors and philanthropists who support the program on an annual basis. They are active members of the network, voting, and contributing with their skills and knowledge.
Current Supporters include: Mimi Brown, Lawrence Chu, Alice Chung, Haro Cumbusyan, Phillip Keir, Benedicta Badia Northendhal.
AFIELD’s core funding comes from the AKAT Fonds de dotation in France and a number of international foundations who have supported the program along the years, such as : the Supporting Act Foundation, the Annenberg Foundation and the Terra Foundation for American Art.
Please, contact us for more information on how to support AFIELD.
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