Native-led arts and culture non-profit Forge Project announced this week the recipients of the 2024 Forge Fellowship.
“We are thrilled to host this year’s cohort of Forge Project Fellows,” Forge Project Director of Indigenous Programs & Relationality Sarah Biscarra Dilley (yaktitʸutitʸu yaktiłhini), said in a press release. “We look forward to supporting their time in residence, whether it be anchored in uninterrupted time to work, engaging others through a public or invitation-only program, or the spaciousness to rest.”
Each Forge Project Fellow will receive a $25,000 grant to support their artistic endeavors. During their three-week residencies on-site, they will also enjoy full access to the Forge Project’s facilities, libraries, and contemporary Indigenous art collection.
Fellows will also have opportunities to showcase their work through events and online platforms.
The selection process for the 2024 Forge Fellowship involved a panel of esteemed Native artists, scholars, educators, and former fellows. This year’s selection process also involved a panel specifically for fellows from the Stockbridge-Munsee Community.
Established in 2021, the Forge Fellowship has recognized Native leaders across various fields annually. Previous fellows include Sky Hopinka (Ho-Chunk Nation/Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians), Jasmine Neosh (Menominee), Laura Ortman (White Mountain Apache), Rainer Posselt (Stockbridge Munsee Band of Mohicans), and Tania Willard (Secwepemc Nation).
Meet the 2024 Forge below.
Delbert Anderson (Navajo/Diné)
Delbert Anderson, a Diné jazz trumpeter, composer, and educator, blends Navajo “spinning songs” with jazz and funk, creating a unique sound in Native American jazz. Leading the Delbert Anderson Quartet, he infuses Diné culture into his music, with notable projects like “The Long Walk: 1,674 Days” and an upcoming tribute to Indigenous Jazz legends Don Cherry and Jim Pepper. Anderson also runs the “Build A Band” program, teaching jazz improvisation to youth with a focus on Diné values. Recognized by Chamber Music America and the First Peoples Fund, his work…