Support Jada's First Artist Residency: From Grants to France

Bonjour mes amis! My name is Jada. I'm a Black queer independent filmmaker who just got accepted into my very first artist residency! And it just so happens to be in France!

Back in November of 2024, I received an acceptance letter to attend the 2026 Chateau d'Orquevaux artist residency in Orquevaux, France. This offer letter came at a very unexpected time. After being placed on a waitlist the year prior, I had no real thought that I'd actually be accepted. But the offer letter came, and it came at one of the lowest points in my life, one that challenged me the most mentally, physically, and financially. While the repercussions of this low point still linger, I'm grateful to be in a much better space, and I'm sure that the reason for this has been due to an intentional lean into my creative spirit.

Throughout my childhood, my creativity consumed me and fueled my little child brain. Considering the economical aspect of my upbringing, I had always dreamed of going off and being able to fully dive into my creativity, but I never thought that an opportunity like this would actually present itself to me. Until now.

The mere fact that I've been accepted into a residency is an achievement on its own, and the residency's location being in France is the cherry on top! I've been interested in the French language for as long as I can remember and even studied it for 6 years throughout high school and undergrad. Getting to celebrate my creativity with my fellow artist community in France would be an absolute dream!

In addition to my acceptance into the residency, I've been awarded two grants, The Denis Diderot Grant and The Emerging Artist Grant. While my acceptance into the residency is solid, I have yet to officially secure my spot due to lingering financial setbacks. I am beyond grateful for these grants and what they communicate to me about my creative worth, but I recognize that this opportunity still comes with financial prerequisites.

This call for assistance should have been birthed back in November 2024, but I pushed it away for reasons relating to imposter syndrome and shame around asking for financial assistance.

I now ask for your support in helping me secure my spot at my first artist residency and assistance with additional costs such as flights, ground transportation, travel insurance, and other unexpected costs.

I am grateful for any and all donations. Even if you can't donate financially, emotional support is always appreciated. :) Merci!