The Sundance Institute in Los Angeles has announced a $4 million gift from the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria (FIGR) to endow the institute’s Indigenous Program.

The largest endowment in the institute’s history will provide support for Indigenous artists from California-based tribes—both federally and non-federally recognized—and will enable the institute to expand its offerings through the Indigenous Program. The endowment gift was facilitated by FIGR tribal chair Greg Sarris, who was a participant in Sundance Institute’s 1992 Screenwriters Lab.

The endowment will create a fellowship for emerging and mid-career Indigenous artists with a project in development or production, providing critical financial and creative support. The Graton fellows will each receive a grant of $25,000, year-long creative mentorship from Indigenous Program staff, access to creative and professional development opportunities, and support to attend the Sundance Film Festival. The gift also will support the creation of scholarships with Sundance Collab, the institute’s digital learning space for artists from around the world. Applications are open until August 28 for the first round of fellowships and scholarships, which will be distributed in 2024. 

“As a nonprofit, the institute is so grateful to Greg Sarris and the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria on this incredibly generous gift that will ensure we are able to continue meaningfully supporting the development of the careers of Indigenous storytellers from tribes throughout the state of California,” said Sundance Institute CEO Joana Vicente. “It means a lot to us that so many Native talents will be provided a space to learn, connect, and create thanks to this substantial support, and we’re especially appreciative of Greg for giving back to the Sundance family he has belonged to for decades.” 

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