The Media Artist + Activist Residency (MAR) is a collaborative grant program from the Leeway Foundation that supports partnerships between media artists and social justice organizations in Greater Philadelphia. Each residency award totals $25,000, with $15,000 granted to the media artist and $10,000 granted to the collaborating organization. This residency aims to embed artists into the ongoing work of social justice organizations to reframe, document, and amplify the issues and campaigns these organizations are addressing.

MAR supports women, trans*, and gender nonconforming media artists working across a broad spectrum of digital and media-based arts. Eligible mediums include film, video, audio, podcasting, digital art, web-based content, interactive design, gaming, multimedia, and more. The residency is not intended as a production grant; instead, it prioritizes deeply collaborative, community-rooted work where media creation and social change are interwoven throughout the creative and organizing process.

To be eligible, artists must be at least 18 years old, identify as a woman, trans*, and/or gender nonconforming, and reside in Bucks, Camden, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, or Philadelphia County. They must not be current staff or board members of the partnering organization. The partnering organization must be a 501(c)(3) or have a fiscal sponsor, operate within the same six counties, and have an annual budget under $1.5 million. Both parties must apply collaboratively, completing their respective sections of the application.

Applications are due by Monday, April 14, 2025. Applicants are encouraged to attend virtual and in-person info and support sessions hosted throughout March and April. The application requires each partner to explain the goals, roles, and shared vision for the collaboration, with a focus on how the artist’s media practice is central to achieving the organization’s social justice aims.

Finalists will be selected through a panel of community-based reviewers with experience in social justice, media arts, and community organizing. Five residencies will be awarded in 2025. Applicants are encouraged to carefully review the MAR guidelines and eligibility details before applying.