Philly Cultural Critics Fellowship
The cinéSPEAK Philly Cultural Critics Fellowship is a paid learning opportunity geared toward Philadelphia-based cultural critics of color—especially those who are new and emerging in the industry. We are looking for voices that further amplify the spirit and magic of the Philadelphia film community. The fellowship provides local journalists with the opportunity to refine their skills, get more connected to the local film ecosystem, and to be compensated for publishing work for the journal. Like cinéSPEAK Journal’s primary funder Critical Minded, this fellowship aims to build the resources and visibility of cultural critics of color in Philadelphia.
For detailed information on what to include in your application, key dates, perks and what we are looking for in our future fellows, please read our 2026 Fellowship Application Guide.
Applications are OPEN! Application Deadline:11/24/25 at 11:59PM
Timeframe
11 months
February 2026 – December 2026
After the submission deadline, all applications will be reviewed and finalists will be contacted for an interview.
Stipend
$2,000
total
$400 per article (for a total of five articles)
The fellow will be paid as a 1099 contractor employee.
Requirements for Fellows
Qualities We’re Looking for
Responsibilities
Perks
Current and Past Fellows
Caitlin Green / 2025
Maria “Nenet” Barrios / 2025
Erick Barragan / 2024
Ireashia Bennett / 2024
Arta Barzanji / 2023
Gabe Castro / 2023
Andre Cherry / 2023
About
The cinéSPEAK Journal launched an emerging arts and culture writing fellowship for Philadelphia-based writers in 2022. It was originally called the cinéSPEAK Philly Beat Fellowship, and is now called the Philly Cultural Critics Fellowship. Fellows have written regular columns, such as the Monthly Arts Round-Up, the Philadelphia Artist Spotlight, the Philadelphia Organization Spotlight, and now Philly Profiles. The fellowship has helped local writers develop their writing and journalistic skills, get more connected to the Philadelphia independent film scene, and access new writing and film opportunities. The fellowship has received funding from Critical Minded.
If you’re interested in funding or partnering on this essential program for emerging Philadelphia writers, visit “Support Us” to learn more.
If you have any questions, email us at journal[at]cineSPEAK.org