About the Fellowship

The Cathy and Jesse Marion International Fellowship for the Visual and Performing Arts was created to connect several organizations which have been generously supported by Cathy and Jesse Marion.  It is administered by the College of Visual and Performing Arts, State University of New York at Fredonia, with funds overseen by the Fredonia College Foundation.  The Fellowship is designed to support an artistic journey through which a creative project is developed. Selected fellows will demonstrate outstanding achievement and high professional potential in the arts.  As a result of the fellowship, connections among the Circle members will be strengthened with the goal of creating new opportunities for collaborative artistic excellence.  The journey begins at the Chautauqua Institution in Chautauqua, New York, includes a residency at the Ucross Foundation in Clearmont, Wyoming, and concludes with a presentation of the work or work-in-progress at the State University of New York at Fredonia.   It must include activities at one additional Circle member organization: the Alley Theater of Houston, the Alberta College of Art and Design, or the Springboard Schools of Egypt.

Applications are accepted in January, and the Fellow selected in the Spring. Funds will be based on the project budget proposed and may be used for materials, travel, lodging, and per diem expenses of the Fellow.

Types of Projects Considered

Projects must include the development and presentation of a work or work-in-progress of visual and/or performing arts.  Genres may include dance, theater, music, and the visual arts, but applicants should not be limited by traditional definitions of genre or discipline.  The work must be based on, inspired by, or otherwise connected to one of the Chautauqua Institution theme weeks (announced annually).

Who May Apply

Applicants must be current or former affiliates of one or more of the Marion Circle member organizations, in roles such as artistic or professional staff, faculty, or artists-in-residence.  Eligibility requirements are determined by the Circle member organizations.

Application Process

The application consists of the Project Description, Cover Sheet and Resume.  The project description should include:

Identification of Chautauqua Institution theme week to which the project is connected.  Description and purpose of proposed activity. Outline of creative journey path, including proposed timetable. Description of how the activity addresses the goals of the Fellowship. Project budget including stipend, to a maximum total of $18,000.  

For more information, contact Ralph J. Blasting, Dean, College of Visual and Performing Arts, ralph.blasting@fredonia.edu, 716-673-3174.