National Arts Journalism Institute June 27-July 1

Apply to study with leading professional journalists at Day Eight’s summer national arts journalism institute, June 27-July 1, 2022

Confirmed faculty include Geoff Edgers (Washington Post), Emma Sarappo (The Atlantic), Michael Brodeur (Washington Post ), Kayla Randall (National Public Radio), Celia Wren (Washington Post), Jonetta Rose Barras (The DC Line), Peggy McGlone (Washington Post), Sarah Marloff (Washington City Paper), and Robert Bettmann (Day Eight).


What is Day Eight?

We are a non-profit organization whose mission is to empower individuals and communities to participate in the arts through the production, publication, and promotion of creative projects. Among our ongoing initiatives are our DC Arts Journalism Fellowship for early-career writers, DC Poet Project reading series, and annual Arts Journalism Conference.

Who is eligible for the institute?

All current college and graduate students, and early career professionals of any age, may participate. 

How do I register?

To register applicants must complete two short answer questions regarding their interest or experience in journalism and what they hope to gain from attending the institute. Applicants should also upload a resume and writing sample.

There is also a $20 application fee. If this fee serves as a barrier to your ability to apply, please email admin [at] dayeight.org.

When will applicants be notified of enrollment?

Within seven days of completing a registration application student enrollment will be confirmed with an enrollment offer by email.

How will applicants be selected?

Applicants will be offered enrollment on a rolling basis with priority given to those with demonstrated commitment to arts journalism.

When is the application due?

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the program is full.

How will the program be conducted?

The program will occur on zoom and includes morning and afternoon workshops with professional journalist faculty. A total of twelve students will be in each workshop. In addition, each attendee will be placed into a cohort of six participants for the week, and those cohorts will be accompanied through the week by an assigned staff member. The cohort staff member will facilitate the group/independent work sessions, including co-editing. Over the course of the week participants will develop an article for potential publication.

Are scholarships available?

Yes. Through support from HumanitiesDC generous scholarships are available based on merit and/or need. To be considered for a scholarship, please fill out our scholarship application here after submitting your initial institute application. All applications are considered on a need-blind basis and all accepted students will be invited to apply for scholarships to attend.

How many people are accepted into the program?

A maximum of twelve students will be enrolled.

What is the institute’s format?

The institute will be held online via Zoom. Sessions will not be recorded.

Will this be a full-time commitment?

The program schedule runs for one week, Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Eastern Time each day. Each day includes two sessions with guest faculty, as well as independent and group work time. (Schedule details below.)

Can I receive college credit for completing the Summer Arts Journalism Institute?

No, this program is a professional development opportunity with journalism professionals. 

If I can’t do the Summer Arts Journalism Institute, are there similar programs I can pursue?

Day Eight offers several programs and events geared towards college students and emerging professionals, including The DC Student Arts Journalism Challenge, The DC Arts Writing Fellowship, and an annual National Arts Journalism Conference

Daily schedule outline:

9:00-9:30 Morning meeting with the cohort
9:30-11:00 Morning workshop with guest faculty
11:00-11:15 Break
11:15-12:00 Morning work period with the cohort
12:00-1:00 Lunch
1:00-2:15pm Afternoon workshop with guest faculty
2:15-2:30pm Break
2:30-4:00 Independent work period/afternoon work period with the cohort

Apply on Submittable now.