The Bevans Artistic Exploration Fund is an annual grant established in 2024 to support travel and the research, development, and presentation of artistic projects that explore and illuminate Black experience and culture.
The fund is open to currently enrolled MIT undergraduate and graduate students, all of whom are eligible to apply and must remain enrolled at MIT for the duration of their project, including the final community presentation.
Recipients may receive up to $5,000 to support independent artistic work, including research, domestic or international travel, materials, production, and public presentation. The number of grants awarded and the amount awarded to each recipient may vary from year to year depending on the applicant pool, and in some cases, awards may be shared among multiple recipients.
Projects must be completed within one year. Recipients are expected to document their work and to present it publicly in a format appropriate to the nature of the project.
For international travel, it is strongly recommended that students participate in an MIT-sponsored travel program—or one offered by another institution—that provides support for logistics such as visas, ticketing, housing, language assistance, and mentorship. The Bevans Fund does not provide administrative or logistical support for these aspects of travel.
For questions, contact arts@mit.edu
Eligibility
All MIT graduate and undergraduate students are eligible to apply. Applicants should be enrolled at the Institute for the duration of the project.
Selection Criteria
• The project proposal is informed by or artistically illuminates an aspect of Black experience and culture.
• Demonstration of the applicant’s ability to execute the project based on artistic skills acquired prior to the receipt of the award.
• It is highly recommended that students have identified a mentor who can guide and provide feedback throughout the project, from planning to public presentation.
How to Apply
Submissions are collected annually. Sign up to receive notification about the next deadline.
Applications will include:
• A one-page resumé
• A one-page project proposal
• An artist’s biography/statement
• Project timeline & budget
• Letters of support
Images: Courtesy of Keith Bevans. Visit his travelogue at myhomeisspecial.com