AFIELD is an organization that firmly believes that artists play a vital role in society as innovators, thinkers, and catalysts for change. Through resources and support, AFIELD empowers artists to lead transformative initiatives within their communities and society. Its goal is to elevate arts and culture to the forefront of social experimentation and global philanthropic discourse. AFIELD is also an international network of artists-led initiatives. A group of creative and civically minded communities working across 30 countries to lead structural changes.
AFIELD granted its first fellowships in 2014 supporting social initiatives in the fields of arts and culture, operating under the auspices of the art organization Council.
AFIELD fellowships are guided by a commitment to ethical conduct. It diligently manages financial resources, ensuring funds are allocated to their intended purposes for the betterment of the artistic community and the public. AFIELD places a strong emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion, striving to provide equal opportunities across all identities within their staff, leadership, and programming.
The office is located in Paris (and is shared with KADIST, a non-profit contemporary art organization), however AFIELD also has team members and active members of the network who work and contribute from various locations around the world.
“Peers” are shortlisted candidates for the fellowship. AFIELD communicates on their initiative, they join the regular meetings organized by the network, they can propose and participate in study programs.
“Fellows” are collectively selected by the network to participate in a one-year fellowship and receive US$10,000 for their social initiative.
“Advisors” are invited to join AFIELD by the Facilitation Group. They are individuals with an expertise, the knowledge of a region, and experience of value to strengthen the network (philanthropy, shared economy…) while advisors are also individual donors and support the overall AFIELD program on an annual basis.
“Facilitators” make up the Facilitation group. They are team members, advisors or fellows who have committed to this additional role of care and work.
The AFIELD network is composed of advisors, a facilitation group, mentees, fellows and peers. As of yet, as AFIELD works to create solid connections and long-term relationships between its members, all members join through the fellowship process or as “advisors” through the introduction and suggestion of a person within the community. We do however welcome everyone to be part AFIELD’s wider community by joining its programs and events which are announced via our newsletter and social media channels.
Fellows are nominated by “Advisors” and former Fellows and the team, and selected through a collective and horizontal voting process over several months. They are usually announced in November of each year. As the fellowship does not run on an open call model, nominations must be made by existing members of the AFIELD community. This is usually projects or initiatives that catalyze change and build capacity in local communities in a tangible, long-term manner.
The facilitation group within AFIELD makes strategic decisions and leads the program on a day to day basis. The group consists of 5 members including Grégory Castéra, Diana Campbell, Sandra Terdjman, Chantal Wong and Yabebal Fantaye.
AFIELD grants 3 fellowships of US$10,000 to artists and cultural practitioners who have initiated social projects, catalyzing change and empowering their communities in long-term and tangible ways. AFIELD also provides resources in the form of discussions, mutual aid, incubation and community building, to help fellows deepen and strengthen their work in their particular contexts and facilitates mutual support and collaboration across the globe.
AFIELD “Kitchen Calls” refer to the bi-monthly meetings conducted by the AFIELD network, initiated in 2020. These gatherings serve a dual purpose: they provide information-sharing opportunities, where news, common interests, and challenges are discussed, and they also serve as forums for making decisions related to program changes or the selection of new members.
AFIELD “Studies” comprise collaborative learning programs created by network members, covering a wide range of subjects, from practical to theoretical. These “Studies” foster connections among individuals with similar interests and facilitate the sharing of skills and knowledge through closed sessions and public workshops.
In addition to granting annual fellowships chosen collectively by the network, AFIELD offers various other forms of support, including discussions through AFIELD Studies, mutual assistance, incubation, and fostering a sense of community. These resources aim to empower fellows and enhance the quality and impact of their work within their specific environments.
AFIELD Fellows are chosen from among artists and cultural practitioners who have initiated social projects that lead to lasting, tangible change and strengthen their communities. These projects encompass a wide range of initiatives, including research centers, mobile library networks, design studios, film communes and more.
We have regular events and workshops taking place all along the year. Some of them are public: to receive news and program invitations, please join the mailing list here.
AFIELD receives core funding through a number of philanthropic foundations in Europe and the US such as (Supporting Act Foundation, Tsadik Foundation, Annenberg Foundation) as well as a dedicated group of collectors and philanthropists who provide annual support. These individuals actively participate in the network, offering their expertise and contributing to its activities through voting and sharing their knowledge.
To make your donations online, please visit the following website.
If you’d like to support in another way, please contact Chantal Wong, chantal@afield.org
For general inquiries: Abi Tariq, abi@afield.org
For communication inquiries: Pierre-Antoine Lalande, pierre-antoine@afield.org