The Community Fellows in Residence program—part of The Engaged City, a collaborative initiative from CRE2, the Center for the Humanities, and the Office for Socially Engaged Practice at Washington University in St. Louis, is now accepting applications!
This fellowship marks the first major initiative of the newly launched Engaged City project and sets the stage for a multi-year effort to collaboratively map and celebrate the cultural life of St. Louis.
About The Engaged City
The Engaged City is a cultural asset mapping project that aims to uplift the cultural knowledge, places, people, and practices that define St. Louis. Rather than reinforce divisions, we work with community members to co-create publicly accessible maps that reflect the richness of St. Louis’s cultural landscape.
What Is Cultural Asset Mapping?
Cultural asset mapping is a process in which communities identify and document their existing cultural resources, strengths, and activities. It’s a way to highlight what matters most—artists, storytellers, traditions, parks, murals, festivals, and more—building a foundation for deeper connection and community-informed planning.
About the Fellowship
The Community Fellows in Residence are at the heart of this work. We are seeking three (3) community-based practitioners working across any discipline—visual art, writing, performance, data, storytelling, illustration, and more—who bring unique perspectives and are eager to collaborate in shaping St. Louis’s cultural future.
Fellows Will:
- Contribute original creative work to the cultural asset map
- Collaborate with the Engaged City team and Community Advisory Board
- Help identify and elevate community priorities
- Receive mentorship and access to WashU’s resources (libraries, archives, workspace, courses, and more)
- Engage with other fellows, scholars, and cultural workers in residence
Fellowship Details
- Term: August 2025 – July 2026 (with the possibility of renewal)
- Time Commitment: 10–15 hours per week
- Stipend: $20,000
- Eligibility: Open to anyone 18+ at any career stage, residing in the Greater St. Louis region
- Affiliation: Fellows will be partnered with the Center for the Study of Race, Ethnicity & Equity (CRE2), the Center for the Humanities, the Office for Socially Engaged Practice
We’re Seeking Fellows Whose Work:
- Explores themes relevant to St. Louis communities
- Highlights the city’s cultural diversity
- Encourages public participation and inclusive dialogue
- Deepens understanding of community identity through creative or research-based practices
Apply or Learn More
- 🌐 Visit: theengagedcity.com
- 📅 Deadline to apply: July 15, 2025
- 🖥️ Virtual Info Session: Monday, June 16 at 12 PM | Register here
For full details, visit our website and refer to the official call for applications.
This project is funded by the Mellon Foundation and the Office of the Provost’s Here and Next initiative.