Creative Works Fellowship

The Creative Works Fellowship (CWF) is a 10-12 week summer program that provides CMC students in the humanities the opportunity to engage in a fully funded self-directed project that culminates in some type of creative output. Past projects include: podcasts, artworks (2-dimensional and 3-dimensional), e-magazines, documentary films, virtual games, etc.

Summer 2024 Creative Works Fellows

Josephine Aspromonte

Pedaling Towards Equality: Advocating for Gender Equity in the Bicycle Industry

The bike industry has often overlooked women, evident in various aspects such as the limited options for women's clothing and gear that are both functional and well-fitting, the underrepresentation of women in racing and competition categories, and the challenge women encounter in finding bicycles that fit them properly. Reflecting on my own experiences in the bike industry has led me to question how the historical development of biking has contributed to its prevailing male-dominated culture and what measures can be taken to create greater inclusivity and gender equity within the cycling community. Through the Creative Works Fellowship, I will travel to Germany, where the bicycle originated in the early 1800s. I will also visit Copenhagen and Amsterdam. In these cities, I plan to research inequality in the bicycle industry by visiting museums, bike factories, and speaking with local individuals. Finally, I will spend time in France building my own bike entirely from scratch. This is an opportunity to challenge the norms of the bike industry and create a bike that's tailored specifically to my preferences and riding style. Standardized frames and components often fail to account for the different proportions and preferences of female riders, leading to discomfort. By taking on this project, I hope to challenge the status quo and demonstrate that personalized, well-fitted bikes can enhance the riding experience for everyone, regardless of gender. Overall, I hope to address systemic challenges, amplify diverse voices, and create a sense of community among riders of all backgrounds.

Elizaveta Gorelik

Dancing Into America’s Hearts: Texas Style

The Golden State versus The Lone Star State - a tale that is a little too familiar to both Californians and Texans. As an outsider to American politics and its culture wars, coming to Claremont from Moscow, Russia, I haven't been able to grasp a comprehensive understanding of the social tension between the two mighty states. This Summer I am embarking on a journey across Texas, stopping in Fort Worth, Dallas, Houston, Austin, and San Antonio, in hopes of learning about Texan culture and its political ties. To explore the rich culture of the Southern state, I will focus my project specifically on line dancing - a new found Americana fascination of mine, and the spaces of honky tonks and dance halls. Line dancing is one of the most communal types of dance in the world, with crowds of blue jeans and cowboy boots moving in perfect unison. To share Texan culture with the Claremont community, I will create a guidebook to all things line dancing - from basic dance moves, essential soundtracks, a guide to dancing venues, and a style and shopping guide for Western fashion. In addition to this, I will host a series of line dancing workshops upon my return to CMC, so that we can all unite in an appreciation for the diverse cultures of America, and start breaking down the polarized stereotypes of the Southern states.

Haimanot Belay

The Heart of the Black Panthers Still Exists

My purpose in creating this film is to pay tribute to the transformative revolution that began through the activism of the Black Panther Party. The Black Panther Party for Self Defense was the most influential black nationalist organization in its time. It is on us to continue their legacy. The Party originated in Oakland, California when college students Bobby Seale and Huey Newton demanded global liberation for Black people. They created social programs such as the Intercommunal Youth Institute, community health clinics, and free breakfast organizations. They also created The Ten-Point Program, a set of statements intertwined with both the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights. The program advocated for decent housing, jobs, better education, and the end of police brutality. Their influence was so powerful that Black Panther chapters were being started all around the world. In my film, I want to document the original locations, hidden stories, but most importantly, highlight the Black Panther Party’s core ideas and activism that has been overlooked. The Black Panther Party was a prominent part of the civil rights movement with a misunderstood reputation. My objective is to clear the vilified perception by the white establishment and emphasize their message for fundamental change. The Black Panthers inspired social change around the world and their legacy will forever be a cornerstone in the fight for equality.

Sambhav Maheshwari

Echoes of Kabir: A Summer in Rajasthan

I will travel to Pugal, Rajasthan, (India) where I will live and learn with renowned folk vocalist and composer Mukhtiyar Ali and his musical troupe. Through this immersive experience, I will explore the rich traditions of Indian classical and folk music, with a particular focus on the spiritual poetry of Sant Kabir. By attending daily vocal lessons, participating in jam sessions, and engaging in discussions about the cultural and philosophical aspects of the music, I aim to deepen my understanding of this art form and its relevance in the modern world. Collaborating with Mukhtiyar Ali and his troupe, I will create original compositions and reinterpret existing pieces, fusing my own musical background with the traditional elements I learn. The culmination of this project will be a video performance showcasing our work together.

Itzel Ramos

ARTivistas- The Importance of Art in Transforming Movements and Communities

The work of ARTivists is often overlooked despite the significant impact that many have had on the communities they serve. Through art, they have translated a sense of nostalgia, healing, and love beyond borders. This summer, I will create a magazine centered around activists and their work from the Los Angeles area and the Inland Empire. This project is meant to highlight the voices of activists and the importance of art in social movements and marginalized communities. I will also collect their personal stories, such as how and why they do their work, while taking portraits of them to create a sense of intimacy that I will weave into my photos. I plan to develop a sense of belonging and care that will expand through the end of this project and beyond.