AIR New Voices 2022 Seeks Diverse Roster of Creators

Each year, AIR identifies and cultivates a diverse roster of early-career talent to arm them with the skills to better understand their role as mission-driven storytellers and emerge with a clearer picture of how they catalyze change within the industry.

In addition to a $1,000 stipend, New Voices receive mentorship, professional development support and structured networking sessions with leaders in the industry. More importantly, New Voices join an incredible network of program alumni who represent all levels and careers in the audio industry. It is your key to career mentorship, collaboration and inspiration.

Since 2009, New Voices has provides space, opportunity and community to underrepresented independents in audio. Defined by AIR’s commitment to a vibrant range of diverse voices and experiences, the New Voices program nurtures pathways for independents to be heard, amplified, and understood.

In prior years, selected individuals convened at industry conferences like PRPD and Third Coast. In 2020, the program moved online to best support New Voices throughout the U.S. due to the ongoing impact of COVID-19.

Applications for our Fall 2022 program are now open. Apply today! The deadline to apply is May 25, 2022, at 8:59PM PT / 11:49PM ET.

Who is eligible to apply?

All producers and program makers who self-identify as part of an underrepresented group(s) are eligible to apply. The focus of the program is radio/audio, but AIR welcomes applicants from the full range of disciplines and practices. All ages are welcome, but any applicant younger than 18 will need an adult sponsor to sign off on his or her application and handle funds.

What do you mean by “underrepresented voices”?

AIR to work with people who represent groups that are not typically represented in the public media system. This could be based on candidate’s race, gender, and class background and/or vision. The committee who reads the New Voices applications is mindful to select candidates with different abilities and who come from underrepresented communities and geographic locations. Their goal is to find candidates who will bring an inclusive and dynamic mix to the Fellows cohort, New Voices alumni network, and to the industry in general.