A first-of-its-kind and immersive fellowship focused on the culture of the American South.
This first-of-its-kind program brings one early-career artist and one early-career writer to Spartanburg, South Carolina, for a nine-month fellowship of research, creativity, teaching, and travel, culminating in a collaborative project informed by the region. This program is perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in the culture of the American South.
Meet the new Fellows
John W. Bateman (he/him) writes and looks for stories from the Deep South. His work has appeared in places like The Chicago Tribune, The New Southern Fugitives, Electric Literature, Facing South, The Santa Fe Writers Project Quarterly, and on the silver screen.
Mo Kessler (they/them) is a queer multimedia object maker, installation artist, and community organizer from Kentucky. Mo’s work has been shown throughout central Appalachia and the South. They received their BFA in Sculpture from the Maryland Institute College of Art in 2007 and their MFA in Studio Art from Western Carolina University in 2021.
In their own words
"The task of making work about the South can be daunting. Those willing to work thoughtfully collaboratively, and with empathy will find the Southern Studies Fellowship a remarkable opportunity to creatively engage this historically and culturally rich region. I am so grateful to have had this opportunity!"
- Ben Winans // 2021 Southern Studies Fellow (Artist)
“My time in Spartanburg as a Southern Studies Fellow has offered rich and singular opportunities to explore this vibrant town and collaborate with visual artists, filmmakers, and thinkers from a variety of backgrounds. I feel deeply grateful for this fellowship.”
- Morgan Thomas // 2021 Southern Studies Fellow (Writer)
Housing and monthly stipend included
In addition to focusing on their own creative projects, the Southern Studies Fellows will have opportunities and requirements for educational community service in Spartanburg County; these will include college and high school classroom visits/lectures, readings, open studios, workshops, and projects affiliated with the host organizations. The fellows will be expected to contribute up to 20 hours per week in the following areas: community service, artist-writer collaboration, and out-of-town travel for project research.
A key component of this unique fellowship is the opportunity to interact with leading scholars, artists, and writers throughout the South. Each fellow will have opportunities to travel in the Southern region to conduct research at cultural and educational institutions, which will inform their work and will be critical in the development of their ideas for a collaborative project that expands the understanding of the modern South.
About Spartanburg, SC
Lifestyle
Whether you’d like to cozy up at a local coffee shop or take some time to explore the over 32 miles of trails, Spartanburg has something for everyone to enjoy. Fellows will be able to enjoy all the perks of downtown living as they will reside within Spartanburg’s Downtown Cultural District. With just a short commute, you’ll also be able to visit Hatcher Garden, Croft State Park, and more.
Culture
Spartanburg is home to a diverse cultural community. It boasts a one-of-a-kind cultural center in its downtown and over 15 arts and cultural organizations. The city is home to a professional ballet company, an LGBTQ+ Theatre company, a contemporary art museum, a symphony, and a number of exceptional cultural experiences. Spartanburg also features 7 higher education institutions including Converse College, Wofford College, USC Upstate, Spartanburg Methodist College, Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Sherman College of Chiropractic, and Spartanburg Community College. Spartanburg, SC is a hub for all things arts and culture.
Entertainment
What do breweries, biergartens, and boutique bowling alleys all have in common? Spartanburg has all three! There is no shortage of exciting entertainment options to enjoy every day. Upstate, SC is full of entertainment destinations and activities but is also the perfect distance for planning exciting day trips to cities like Charlotte, NC; Atlanta, GA; Greenville, SC; and Asheville, NC.
Made Possible By
A Collaborative Project By
About the Partners
With roots that stretch back more than 50 years, the Chapman Cultural Center’s mission is to provide cultural leadership for Greater Spartanburg by developing, strengthening, and promoting the scope, excellence and educational role of the arts, humanities and sciences, and to further their significance in the life of our community. It serves as the official South Carolina Arts Commission-designated arts agency of Spartanburg County. Chapman provides general operating support for nine cornerstone cultural institutions, including the Hub City Writers Project, through its United Arts Fund and provides project grants to local artists and organizations.
The Hub City Writers Project, founded in 1995, serves its mission to cultivate readers and nurture writers through its independent press, community bookshop, and diverse literary programming. Its flagship program, Hub City Press, is one of only three Southern book publishers funded by the National Endowment for the Arts. It is focused on finding and spotlighting new and extraordinary voices from the American South.
