Lorna C. Hill Artist Development Fund

2022-2026 Inaugural Lorna C. Hill Artist Development Fellow

Ujima Company is thrilled to name Peter Olonade as the inaugural Lorna C. Hill Artist Development Fellow! Peter is a graduate of Buffalo State University with a B.A. in fashion. Born and raised in Brooklyn, NY until the age of 11, he went on to study abroad in Lagos, Nigeria for five years. Shortly after, Peter returned to the U.S. to complete his high school education.

Peter’s craft is called Tufting and it is the process of punching a needle through backing material in the form of a loop or cut pile to create fascinating and beautiful pieces of art. The technique has been known for years and is is also known as rug hooking or needle punching. This specific craft can be used as a rug, upholstery projects, live art, home décor and fashion designing.

Through his craft, Peter intends to bring awareness and artistic encouragement to all those who encounter his work.

You can view more of Peter’s work by visiting his instagram - @petethegod

Thanks to the support and endowment from actor and former student of Lorna C. Hill, Daniel Croix, Ujima Company is thrilled to announce the inaugural Lorna C. Hill Artist Development Fellowship. This fellowship will be awarded to an exceptional theatre, film, or media artist residing in Buffalo, NY between the ages of 18 - 25.

This fellowship will serve as an open opportunity for artists of any kind to further develop not only their artistic practice but also the expansion of their artistic network. In the spirit of Lorna C. Hill, who believed that the young people are the future, we dedicate this fellowship in her honor to continue the legacy of excellent artistic practice for the purpose of love, justice, and the beloved community.  


Over 4 years the fellowship recipient will receive:

  1. A recurring $1,500 stipend for each year of the fellowship

  2. Quarterly mentorship and goal-setting meetings with actor Daniel Croix

  3. Access to Ujima Company Inc. productions and studio space

  4. Networking opportunities with local arts organizations, artists, and community organizations

Actors, theatre + film directors, playwrights, screenwriters, social media artists, designers, stage managers, light / sound artists, etc. are encouraged to apply.

 

REQUIREMENTS TO APPLY:

  • Must be an artist residing in

    Buffalo, NY

  • Must be between the ages of 18-25

Questions?

Please contact Program Director, Maria Ta, at maria@ujimacoinc.org

 

HOW TO APPLY:

  • Submit 1 - 3 samples of artistic work (Media clips should be no longer than 3 minutes max. Written work no longer than 3 pages max.)

  • Submit a brief personal and professional overview (max 150 words). 

  • An interview will be scheduled upon receipt of all required materials

 

Fellowship Timeline

FEB 2022 Application opens for submission 

APR 2022 Application closes 

MAY 2022 Candidate interviews

JUN 2022 Fellowship award announcement

JUN 2022 Introductory orientation

JUL 2022 Begin work 

JUN 2023 Year 1 debrief

JUN 2024 Year 2 debrief

JUN 2025 Year 3 debrief

JUN 2026 Year 4 debrief

*Mentoring and networking meetings to be scheduled throughout the 4 years