The creation of the United States in 1776 was based at least partially upon the values enshrined in the Declaration of Independence, that all people are created equal and endowed with unalienable rights including life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. However, freedom and independence had tremendously varied meanings at this time, and for many in North America liberty meant more than obtaining political independence from Britain: It meant escaping from slavery.
The Freedom Seekers project features short research-based stories of some of the people—both of African and Indigenous ancestry—who escaped during the era of American independence in the original thirteen colonies/states and beyond. Freedom Seekers Creative Research Fellows will create artistic work that builds from these carefully researched stories and the newspaper advertisements on which they are based. Historical research can fill very few of the many gaps in our knowledge about these people, and there is tremendous potential for sensitive and respectful creative work to help us imagine and understand those who sought freedom for themselves.
Freedom Seekers Creative Research Fellows will work from archivally grounded stories researched and written by academics and students (including project interns at UW-Madison), as well as from advertisements yet to be researched. This artistic work can take many different forms, including (but not limited to) fiction, poetry, 2D and 3D artwork in any media, musical composition and performance, and performative work such as short dramatic pieces, monologues, and film. The Fellows will retain ownership of the work they create, but this work will be presented in an exhibition on campus, as well as in digital form on the Freedom Seekers website. https://freedom-seekers.org/
Successful applicants will receive a $500 fellowship (with additional funds available for materials, as needed), will be named Creative Research Fellows of the Freedom Seekers project at UW-Madison, and will be listed on the website accordingly. Applications are due on May 1. Please send a letter of application to Prof. Simon Newman at spnewman3@wisc.edu explaining your interest in the project and your creative arts experience. We encourage you to include copies of or send links to any examples of your creative work.
For more information, please contact Prof. Simon Newman at spnewman3@wisc.edu.