About Sacred Cypher Creatives
IMAN’s Sacred Cypher Creatives (SCC) program is a year-long artist fellowship in which artists from the Artist Roster apply by proposing a creative engagement for a community residency and for IMAN’s Annual Artist Retreat. After a rigorous review process, five artists are selected annually to deepen their engagement with IMAN’s philosophy of being Spiritually Rooted, Socially Conscious, and Spatially Relevant as well as with IMAN’s model at the intersection of culture, social justice and community.
In addition to producing an Artist-In-Community Residency at IMAN’s campus in Chicago or Atlanta and the opportunity to host Roster Artists at the IMAN Artist Retreat, the Sacred Cypher Creatives convene for three in-person gatherings over the year as well engage in a series of online opportunities to connect virtually. IMAN offers Sacred Cypher Creatives a stipend of $7,500 towards unrestricted funding for their own benefit and development in addition to a $1,500 fee for their Artist-In-Community Residency.
Sacred Cypher Creatives receive:
Artistic Opportunities
- Deepen engagement with IMAN’s holistic model, unique and intersectional communities, and philosophy of being Spiritually Rooted, Socially Conscious, and Spatially Relevant.
- Develop or refine a tailored Artist-In-Community Residency at IMAN in either Atlanta or Chicago including workshops, discussions/panels, and interviews with IMAN’s unique and intersectional communities.
- Host and plan the IMAN Artist Retreat for roughly 50-60 artists from across the country.
- Collaborate with fellow Cohort Artists.
Community & Engagement
- Three SCC Cohort Gatherings to deepen connections with IMAN and each other.
- Virtual Sessions to check in with the cohort and reflect on learnings from Artist-In-Community Residencies.
- Training in IMAN’s Arts-Centered Community Organizing and Healing model.
- Confirmed attendance to the IMAN Artist Retreat.
Financial Support
- $4500 Unrestricted funds to support artistic projects and development.
- $1500 Artistic-In-Community Residency fee.
- Travel and accommodations covered by IMAN for all Sacred Cypher Creatives events.
Sacred Cypher Creatives engage IMAN through:
Service
- Serving on the Hosting Committee for the IMAN Artist Retreat.
Collaboration
- Offer a tool, curriculum, or a lasting gift to IMAN in connection with the Artist-In-Community Residency or in connection to one of IMAN ongoing initiatives.
Monthly Virtual Sessions
- Provide feedback and collaborative brainstorming to support the growth and improvement of IMAN’s Arts & Culture initiatives and programs.
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Questions? See our Frequently Asked Questions or Contact Us at arts@imancentral.org.