NEW YORK: The Playwrights Realm has announced the Native American Artist Lab, a new program offering support to tribally affiliated aspiring and emerging artists. The lab’s first installment will foster two projects from generative theatre artists or artistic teams, and will provide professional development opportunities. Submissions will open Feb. 22 and close March 13.

“The Realm has been grappling with our status on unceded Native American land, and while this problem is immense, we are taking action by focusing on how we can be helpful,” founding artistic director Katherine Kovner said in a statement. “I’m thrilled to be introducing the Native American Artist Lab, which will offer concrete support to the Native American artistic community by centering their voices.”

In conjunction with the lab, the Realm has been working with consultant Rhiana Yazzie to look at its internal practices and how it can specifically support Native American artists. The Native American Artist Lab will help the Realm build new collaborative relationships with Native artists, address issues of Indigenous representation, and expand its networks of support. The lab will offer artists design consultations, individualized mentorship, and industry networking, and will culminate with an in-person reading in New York for both projects. The Realm will also offer stipends and will cover housing and transportation costs for up to four members of each artistic team.

The finalists will be chosen by a panel of Native American artists, including playwright, director, and professor Madeline Sayet of the Mohegan tribe; playwright and Chukalokoli Native Theater Ensemble and Amerinda Theater founding member Vickie Ramirez of the Tuscarora people; and Yazzie, who is a playwright, director, filmmaker, and the founding artistic director of New Native Theatre and a citizen of the Navajo nation.

The Playwrights Realm is also currently accepting open submissions for its Writing Fellowship Program and Scratchpad Series through Feb. 13.

The Playwrights Realm is devoted to supporting emerging playwrights throughout their careers, helping them to hone their craft, fully realize their vision, and build meaningful artistic careers through comprehensive support and writing programs.