VERSIONS YOUTH FELLOWSHIP

INSPIRING A MOVEMENT THROUGH MUSIC

Powered by Darkspark, the VERSIONS Youth Fellowship mentors and supports emerging artists of colour from around the world. Throughout the one-year virtual program, Fellows collaborate with artists, music producers, a network of thought leaders, organizations, and brands. They create and release music and stories that inspire social change, build their leadership and creative skills, and transform their vision for a better world into direct community action.

How It Works

Versions identifies 30 young changemakers, ages 16-24, and accelerates their journey to success. Each fellow will professionally write, record and release their own song over a celebrity-produced beat, and be featured in short films telling their personal and artist story, which will be shared far and wide.

Fellows will participate in an inaugural summit, and attend monthly skill-building events. throughout the year, each fellow will conceptualize a social impact project of their own design, and pursue a personalized plan with darkspark support to implement their project in their home-community. the fellowship includes:

Mentorship from leading artists and thought-leaders in:

Self-Development to ensure Fellows recognize the importance of health in mind, body, and spirit to achieve success

History and Identity to empower Fellows to examine racial and cultural experiences using a global lens with the goal of building intercultural understanding

Arts and Skill Building to enable Fellows to thrive in their artistic practice and within creative industries

Leadership to build Fellows' capacity to lead in their personal and professional lives

A Creation Kit to support the Fellow’s artistic vision (includes a smartphone, recording equipment and more)

Professional networking within the creative industry

One-on-one support to assist each Fellow in realizing their social justice vision for their community

A professionally produced song and content campaign, with distribution and amplification through partner channels

Who Is Eligible?

BIPOC* YOUTH AGED 16-24 WHO:

*Black, Indigenous, People of Colour

Are passionate about expressing themselves through song, in any genre, at any level
Are enthusiastic about social justice and have ideas for how they want to change the world
Are able to effectively communicate in English
Have regular access to either a computer or smartphone and an internet connection
Can commit to approximately 25 hours a month attending events and working toward fellowship goals for a one-year period

Are you a young artist of colour, eager to use your musical talent for social change? Stay ahead of the game for this year's application - join our email list now for all the latest updates and be part of a movement that amplifies voices for change

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What To Expect

APPLICATIONS RECEIVED

APPLICATIONS REVIEWED

FINALISTS CHOSEN

FELLOWS NOTIFIED

SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION

Our application is designed to be inclusive and accessible to all. You will have to answer several short answer questions and upload two short videos, one of you performing live and one telling us about yourself.

ASSESSED BY EXPERTS

Our diverse team of industry experts will review and score each application before you are notified of your Fellowship status.

PARTICIPATE IN INTERVIEWS

If you’re chosen as a finalist, you’ll prepare some additional resources for us and interview with our executive leadership team.

LET THE JOURNEY BEGIN

If selected, you will be notified and your journey will begin with onboarding and guidance from Darkspark every step of the way.

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