Overview
The Sikh Arts & Media Fellowship is a 16-week creative residency for artists, filmmakers, musicians, and media creators whose work advances public understanding of Sikh issues, history, concepts, or personalities. Fellows work with a senior Sikh scholar who ensures historical and theological accuracy, transforming rigorous research into compelling stories for global audiences.
Duration
16 weeks
Commitment
15 hours per week
Eligibility
Ages 16+ (no upper limit)
ROLLING ADMISSION — Apply Anytime
No application deadline. Applications reviewed as received. Start dates are flexible.
What You'll Do
- Develop and complete a media project during the 16-week residency
- Work with a faculty mentor who advises on historical accuracy and theological nuance
- Participate in weekly cohort meetings with fellow artists and creators
- Produce a finished piece ready for public distribution through Harvard Sikh Center platforms
Eligible Project Types
Film & Video
Audio & Music
Podcasts, musical compositions, audio documentaries, spoken word or oral history
Visual Art & Design
Social Media & Digital
Educational campaigns, multi-part video series, interactive digital storytelling
Other Formats
Have something different in mind? We’re open to creative proposals.
What Makes This Fellowship Different
We don’t teach filmmaking or music production—we provide something harder to find: subject-matter expertise that ensures your creative work is grounded in actual sources rather than inherited myths.
Your mentor advises on content—historical accuracy, theological nuance, scholarly context—not on technical or artistic execution. You bring the creative skills; we help you get the content right.
Eligibility
- Open to artists and creators at any stage of their career
- Any age (minors under 18 require parental consent)
- No formal degree required—we value demonstrated creative ability
- Must secure a faculty mentor before applying (see below)
Ideal Candidates:
- Have a compelling project idea that advances understanding of a Sikh issue, concept, personality, or event
- Demonstrate creative skill and ability to complete a project within 16 weeks
- Are open to collaboration with scholars and receptive to feedback
Finding a Mentor
You must identify a faculty mentor and secure their agreement to advise on your project before submitting your application. Your mentor will complete a Mentor Endorsement Form, which is automatically sent to them when you submit your application.
Browse our Affiliated Faculty to find scholars whose expertise aligns with your project’s subject matter. You may also propose an external mentor with relevant scholarly credentials.
Application Materials
Your application includes:
Project Proposal (500 words max)
Concept, subject matter, contribution to understanding of Sikhi, feasibility, and distribution plan
Personal Statement (300 words max)
Your background as a creator, why this project, what you hope to gain
Portfolio / Work Samples
2–3 examples of previous creative work (links or uploads)
Resume/CV
(optional)
Mentor Endorsement
Submitted separately by your mentor after you apply
Selection Criteria
- Creative quality: strength of portfolio and artistic vision
- Project concept: originality, clarity, and potential impact
- Subject-matter significance: substantive engagement with Sikh-related content
- Feasibility: realistic scope and ability to complete within 16 weeks
- Commitment: demonstrated interest and openness to collaboration
Generative AI Projects Welcome
The Harvard Sikh Center has a strong interest in supporting creators who use generative AI tools to produce media—films, music, visual art, and other content—that advances understanding of Sikhi in mainstream society or engages thoughtfully with issues within Sikh communities.
We welcome applications from creators exploring:
- AI-generated or AI-assisted films and documentaries
- AI-composed music or soundscapes inspired by Sikh traditions
- AI-generated visual art, illustrations, or graphic narratives
- Interactive or immersive AI-powered experiences
- Experimental projects at the intersection of technology and Sikh storytelling
If you’re using AI as a creative tool to tell Sikh stories in new ways, we want to hear from you.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Your portfolio should demonstrate that you have the skills to execute your proposed project.
Yes, if it can be completed during the 12-week fellowship. Be clear about what work remains.
You retain ownership. By accepting the fellowship, you grant the Harvard Sikh Center a non-exclusive license to share and promote your work on its platforms. You will be credited as the creator.
AI-Generated Content Policy (Application Materials)
All application essays and responses must be your own original work. Submissions are screened using GPTZero and similar detection tools.
AI-generated applications will result in immediate disqualification.
Important: This policy applies to your application materials (personal statement, project proposal). Using GenAI as a creative medium for your project is encouraged—see "Generative AI Projects Welcome" above.
Building a Better Future
Your support builds the intellectual infrastructure for the Panth's future
