Applications for the 2025 Arts & Social Justice Fellowship program are closed. Please check back in the fall to apply for 2026!
The Arts and Social Justice Fellowship (ASJF) supports youth leadership at the intersection of arts and social change. High schoolers from DC, Maryland, and Virginia attend performances at regional venues, engage in thematic workshops with mentors and their peers, and create final projects exploring issues of importance to them through media of their choosing.
Presented by Strathmore with core partner Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company, ASJF was created in 2022 as part of their co-presentation of Octavia E. Butler’s "Parable of the Sower" by Toshi Reagon and Bernice Johnson Reagon. This educational program seeks to identify the next generation of artists whose activism reflects Butler’s dynamic lineage.
There is no cost to participate. Fellows receive a $750 stipend to support the creation of their final projects and are matched with professional artist mentors.
This program is made possible with generous support from Dr. Deborah M. Smith & the Dr. Allen A.B. Herman Fund, Victoria J. Perkins, and Hope Brown Saxton.
Artwork by Doudgy (Dew the Artist) Charmant
Meet the 2025 Fellows
Anniyah Rizvi
Anniyah Rizvi is a high school senior interested in using writing as a tool for peacebuilding and political action. Anniyah is a published writer whose work has been recognized by the New York Times. She is the founder and editor-in-chief of Words With Weight, an international literary magazine centered on themes of social justice, politics, and introspection. Recently, she was invited to present at the 2025 National Council of Teachers of English conference, which deepened her appreciation for educators and food markets. In her free time, she can be found playing with words or enjoying political satire.
Austin McNair
Austin McNair (he/him) is a high school junior passionate about film and photography. Austin serves as the Teen Foundation Chair for the Arundel Bay Area Chapter of Jack and Jill of America. In 2024, Austin showcased his public speaking talents at the Oratorical Competition for Jack and Jill of America’s Eastern Region. Austin is also a dedicated athlete who ranks nationally among the top 100 triple jumpers in the class of 2026. In college, Austin plans to combine his love of photojournalism with his commitment to advocating for underserved and marginalized communities.
Elsa Furr
Elsa Furr (she/her) is a high school sophomore and visual artist with a focus in portraiture. Her work in response to the George Floyd murder was featured in the Chicago Tribune in 2020. She has studied art at The School of the Art Institute Chicago, The Chicago Academy for the Arts, and most recently at the Yellow Barn Studio. At school, Elsa illustrates for the school newspaper and yearbook and is part of the cooking club. Outside of school, Elsa dances on a competitive hip-hop team, and enjoys watching movies, listening to music, and thrifting. Having recently moved to DC from Chicago, she is excited to learn more about the local arts scene.
Evelyn Skinner
Evelyn "Evy" Skinner (she/her) is a high school freshman, classical guitarist, and composer. She began her study of classical guitar at Levine Music at the age of nine. Since then, she has received a Levine Jury Award and her middle school’s Outstanding Performing Arts Award. In addition to playing the guitar and singing in choirs, Evy actively works to expand her performance repertoire to include the jazz genre, bass guitar, and keyboard. Evy aspires to promote positive social change through her music by uplifting underrepresented voices. She finds inspiration in her multi-racial heritage with its African and Asian Indigenous roots.
Jessica Yao
Jessica Yao (she/her) is a high school junior, musician, and poet. She is currently participating in the Poetry Out Loud national recitation competition and the ESU Shakespeare Competition. She serves as an editor for the Montgomery County Student Newspaper and her school newspaper, The Tide. Jessica also writes with Girls for Business, performs with Maryland Classic Youth Orchestras, and serves on the board of several school clubs. Jessica hopes to pursue a career in business and entrepreneurship to craft meaningful products that benefit society and address issues that require change.
Junee Kim
Junee Kim (she/her) is a high school junior in the IB Diploma Program interested in exploring the intersection of arts and social justice. She is a flutist, a leader of the Korean Peace Mission Dance and Drum Group, and the managing editor of her school's newspaper. Junie serves as the president of several school clubs, including the Minority Scholars Program, Class Council, and the countywide organization Young People for Progress. She is dedicated to student advocacy and believes in organizing to create change. In addition to her artistic pursuits, Junie is interested in pursuing a career in the legal field.
Niamh O'Donovan
Niamh O'Donovan (they/them) is a high school senior and a creative. Niamh’s current focus is filmmaking, though they have explored other artistic mediums like poetry, illustration, relief printing, and collage as well. They are a member of the National Art Honors Society, an AP Art student, and an illustrator for their school newspaper. Niamh is passionate about transgender rights and equality. In early 2023, they began using their printing and painting skills to upcycle thrifted clothing and sell it through their small Instagram-run business, Trans Health Tees. The proceeds go to the Trevor Project, a non-profit organization that advocates LGBTQ+ rights and crisis prevention. In college, Niamh hope to study both Classics and filmmaking. Niamh is thrilled for the opportunity to connect with other young artists through the ASJF program and hopes it will help them answer the question: How can my art help others?
Sadiq Muhammad
Sadiq Muhammad (he/him) is a high school sophomore and visual artist. He expresses himself through painting and cinematography and hopes to pursue visual arts as a career. He also believes in social media as a tool to reach broader audiences. Sadiq participates in Brotherly Love, Baltimore Brothers, and volunteers with his school’s football team. Throughout the ASJF program, Sadiq looks forward to growing with like-minded peers who share an interest in the intersection between art and social justice.
Soa Andriamananjara
Soa Andriamananjara (she/her) is a high school senior and a creative. She has experience working in theatre and film as an actor, director, and writer. Most recently, she directed “Spring Break” by Joe Calarco at Round House Theatre as part of their Teen Performance Company. Her writing has been featured in the New York Times and the Metaphor Dice Anthology. In addition to her artistic work, Soa leads her school’s student government. She enjoys cooking in her free time. In the future, Soa hopes to create accurate portrayals of Africa in the media.
Sol Berrellez
Sol Berrellez (they/she) is a high school junior with a deep passion for mixed media, painting, photography, technical theater, and music. At school, Sol oversees technical theater productions and serves as an editor for the literary magazine. They are also an active member of their school’s National Art Honor Society, the Hispanic Latinx Student Union, and the Jewish Student Union. Outside of school, Sol is committed to advocating for better healthcare access for Queer and Latino communities. They aspire to become an art therapist and psychologist, combining their creative talents with their desire to help others. Through ASJF, Sol aims to build meaningful connections, refine their artistic skills, and nurture a collaborative and inclusive community.
William Liao
William Liao (he/him) is a high school sophomore with a passion for music, writing, and photography. He is an accomplished flutist and a member of Maryland Classic Youth Orchestras’ flute choir. In addition, his writing has been published through a Montgomery County Public School contest and has won several regional awards through the Scholastic program. William serves as an editor for his school newspaper, volunteers with seniors and children, and enjoys photography in his free time. He hopes that ASJF will allow him to explore how various artistic mediums can interact with social justice to have an even larger impact.
Yaa Baucum
Yaa Baucum (she/they) is a high school junior and visual artist. Her work has been exhibited at the Dorchester Center for the Arts. She is interested in reading, animation, comics, and trinkets. Yaa looks forward to exploring the intersection between artistic expression and social justice alongside like-minded peers at the ASJF program. Post-graduation, Yaa is interested in pursuing a path in medicine and the arts.
2025 Program Information
In its fourth year, the fellowship will include study of a series of performances taking place at each presenting institution; visits to visual art studios and galleries; and artist talks. Arts experiences will be accompanied by a thematic workshop, discussion, and artistic response exercise. Students will meet in person at the arts experiences, and will meet for approximately one in-person workshop per month, plus biweekly Zoom sessions. There are typically 3-4 program gatherings per month.
View the 2025 Program Calendar
Fellows are required to attend all performances which are not marked as optional. Applicants must look carefully at their calendars to ensure they will be able to commit fully to the program.
Please see all application information below to explore eligibility and application requirements.
Application Information
2024 Class Highlights
The 2024 class created striking visual art, portions of original plays and music, multi-media installations, and more. Fellows also explored visions for future work in artistry and activism.
2023 Class Highlights
Projects explored themes including climate justice, trans healthcare, pay equity, and beyond. Fellows showcased an array of art forms including visual art, original plays and music, multi-media installations, and more.
2022 Class Highlights
The inaugural class's research and reflection covered Butler's Parable novels, as well as many other works and creators including Audre Lorde, Sonic Youth, Terence Trent D’Arby, Danez Smith, Robin DiAngelo, Kimberlé Williams Crenshaw, the film Sorry to Bother You, TV show American Gods, and more.