News–Docs In Progress

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Announcing our new Filmmaker-in-Residence

Docs In Progress Receives 2020 NEA Grant

Logo of the National Endowment of the Arts' ArtWorks Program

The National Endowment for the Arts announced more than $84 million in grants as part of the Arts Endowment’s second major funding announcement for fiscal year 2020.

Docs In Progress is pleased to announce that once again we are receiving an Art Works award for our Artist Services portfolio. This is one of 1015 grants nationwide that the agency has approved in this category.

“These awards demonstrate the resilience of the arts in America, showcasing not only the creativity of their arts projects but the organizations’ agility in the face of a national health crisis,” said Mary Anne Carter, chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts. “We celebrate organizations like Docs In Progress for providing opportunities for learning and engagement through the arts in these times.”

“Our portfolio of artist service programs represents the soul of Docs In Progress,” stated Barbara Valentino, Interim Executive Director. “From our Fellows and Peer Pitch programs to Work-in-Progress Screenings to our yearly Artist-in-Residence, NEA has been a consistent and supportive partner, especially in these turbulent times. Congrats to our fellow grantees. On behalf of the organization and the artists we serve, thank you!

For more information on this National Endowment for the Arts grant announcement, visit arts.gov/news.

June 2020 Newsletter

From the Executive Director

Docs In Progress has always stood for equality for all. We have been witness to the gravest of injustices ̶ the death of George Floyd ̶ and the subsequent outpouring of support for our First Amendment rights and equal justice under the law.

Our mission is to educate, inspire, and transform the way people view their world through documentary film. We provide individuals with the tools to tell their stories. It is these films and filmmakers who call attention to moments in history, sharing highly personal stories that reflect the social and cultural issues permeating on the local, national and global stage.

Docs In Progress recommits to these ideals and pledges to serve as a megaphone for all voices, especially those who have been historically voiceless.

Our commitment to giving voice includes redesigning our summer teen filmmaking workshops. Please take a look at the Power2Give and the Workshop information below. The number of scholarships we can offer is wholly dependent upon community support!

Docs intentionally went quiet to assess, plan, and reassess once COVID hit. We are very fortunate to have received support from local, regional/state and federal organizations. This assistance allows us to serve you and our communities. In this give-back spirit, Docs is launching Thank You Tuesday. Each Tuesday we will give a shout out to a funder, a person, or organization that has made our work that much more meaningful.

Docs’ first Thank You Tuesday goes to Revere Bank and the Silver Spring Branch. Was it really only 60 days ago? Against the cacophony of bad headlines, Revere and our community specialist, Miriam Diaz, navigated us through the federal PPP process. Approval came in mid-April. This PPP was our first COVID-related revenue, giving Docs In Progress the recognition and support that allows us to renew our commitment to giving voice.

Thank you!

Meet the 2020 Docs in Progress Fellows

Docs In Progress is elated to announce our 2020 Fellows. Now in its eighth year, the Docs In Progress Fellowship provides selected filmmakers from across the Washington DC/Maryland/Virginia area monthly facilitated meetings where they come together to share progress with their projects and receive feedback and advice on issues related to the documentary landscape, work/life balance, and the creative process.