Contemporary Arts Memphis (CAM) just announced its 2024 Summer Fellowship Program cohort of students, marking the beginning of an enriching journey for 25 talented Memphis-area high school artists in 11th - 12th grade.
The CAM Summer Fellowship Program, founded by Memphis-native Derek Fordjour, is designed to provide young artists with opportunities to understand the art world, enhance their art-making skills, and expose them to post-secondary career opportunities at no cost to them or their families.
I'm continually inspired by the remarkable talents and dedication of this year's CAM Fellows,” says Derek Fordjour, founder of Contemporary Arts Memphis, native Memphian, and world-renowned contemporary artist. “When I started CAM, I envisioned a platform where young, motivated artists in Memphis could flourish despite any barriers. This year's cohort exemplifies that vision, showcasing incredible creativity and promise. We're committed to nurturing their potential as they prepare for college and beyond, fostering a brighter future together.”
The student artists will spend three weeks in residence at St. Columba, learning from arts industry professionals and earning six credit hours through coursework at the University of Memphis. The fourth and final week is spent in New York City, where Fellows visit cultural institutions, meet working artists, and tour educational institutions and galleries.
Courtesy of Contemporary Arts Memphis
2023 CAM Summer Fellows in New York City
This year’s cohort of students from across Shelby County include:
Arlington High School - Maguire Jones, Maura Farney, Meiya Rollins
Central High School - Ava Ortega, Kingston Stringer
Craigmont High School - Daniela Mascote
Collierville High School - Rosie Deng, Wendy Maulion, Shirin Sethi
Crosstown High - Julian Ward, Chloe Harris, Sinayah Bell, Amareah Walls, Lincoln French
Hutchison High School - Nailah Woods, Hannah Pollard
Memphis Rise - Jisel Patino
Overton High School - Melalin Sanchez
Southwind High School - Melanie Romero
St. Mary’s Episcopal School - Caroline Chandler
The Collegiate School of Memphis - Marcela Flores, Yocelin Lopez
White Station High School - Lara Anderson, Jayden Harris
Whitehaven High School - Jameelah Rashada
After the Summer Fellowship, participants will continue their artistic and educational journey with year-round programming aimed at enhancing their skills, portfolios, and access to scholarship opportunities. CAM remains committed to empowering the next generation of Memphis creatives and establishing a strong network of emerging visual artists in the community.
Founded in 2021, Contemporary Arts Memphis is a 501(c)3 organization with a mission to empower young artists from under-resourced Memphis-area public high schools by offering mentorship, education, travel, and partnership with professional artists and models to student artists participating in the CAM Summer Fellowship Program. To learn more, visit camsummer.org/.