When the Ford Foundation and the Mellon Foundation decided to create the first national fellowship devoted to supporting disabled artists in 2020, they wanted to expand understanding of disability justice, creativity and life. The first class of Disability Futures Fellows included filmmaker Tourmaline and choreographer Alice Sheppard.
Among the grantees this year receiving $50,000 in unrestricted funds include JJJJJerome Ellis, a composer in Norfolk, Va., who spells his name with multiple "J"s as part of his practice, to reflect his stuttering. Alexandria Wailes is an actor, dancer and Tony honoree who works with Deaf West Theatre. The work of poet and visual artist Naomi Ortiz brings together disability justice and climate action in Tucson, Ariz., where she lives.
