TDC and Google Announce Ezhishin Scholarship For Native North American Students of Typography

TDC and Google Announce Ezhishin Scholarship For Native North American Students of Typography

Nov. 21, 2022

In followup to the recent successful Ezhishin conference, the first-ever panel and workshop event dedicated to Native North American typography, the Type Directors Club and Google have announced the creation of the first TDC Ezhishin Scholarship program.

The annual $5,000 scholarship, funded by Google, is for Native American and First Nation individuals in the US and Canada, respectively, who exemplify a creative practice that explores typography, type design, or relevant linguistic work.  

Applicants should be enrolled in a Federally or State recognized Tribe in the US or hold "Indian Status" under the Indian Act in Canada, and can include current students or those that want to supplement their education via post-grad programs or applicable workshops.  

Applications will be accepted starting in February 2023, along with the call for TDC’s two other scholarship programs: the Beatrice Warde Scholarship recognizing a female college student anywhere in the world whose work demonstrates exceptional talent, sophistication, and skill in the use of typography, and the Adé Hogue Scholarship in support of BIPOC undergrad and graduate students studying at a US college or university.  All three scholarships require an abridged portfolio and a statement of intent.

The TDC Ezhishin Scholarship program will be coordinated by Leo Vicenti, associate professor of Communications Design at Emily Carr University of Art & Design in Vancouver, and Ksenya Samarskaya, TDC managing director.

Leo Vicenti said:

“The Ezhishin scholarship is groundbreaking. Our hope is to acknowledge and respect the spiritual life of indigenous languages, and support the empowerment of the linguistic diversity of this continent, which has historically underrepresented indigenous worldviews.”

 

Named after the Ojibwe word for “s/he leaves a mark”, Ezhishin was held November 11-13, 2022 as the first conference to facilitate conversation around the typographic needs of First Nations/Native American communities, and showcased lettering projects and typographic styles by Native designers.  The virtual event included 20 presentations and four workshops.

There are few Native American type designers operating today, with much of the type used by Native practitioners designed by non-Natives. The Ezhishin conference looked to further a dialogue that both helps increase the number of Native partitioners who create their own type, and informs non-Native type designers about the unique cultural aspects and needs of Native North American community.

Related News

Mar. 26, 2024

Inside the Minds of Judges for The One Show 2024

Judging for both The One Show 2024 and ADC 103rd Annual Awards are currently underway, as the more than 500 jury members from 48 countries

Mar. 20, 2024

TDC Opens 2024 Call for Four Global Scholarship Programs

Programs recognize BIPOC, female-identifying, Native American and First Nation, and needs-based students

Mar. 14, 2024

The One Club's 14th "Where Are All The Black People" Conference and Career Fair Set for September 26-27

Sponsorship opportunities now available for agencies and brands looking to support this long-running DEI initiative

Latest News

Mar. 28, 2024

Dirt is Good's Persil Plays the Villain in new Short Film Starring Arsenal's Bukayo Saka

The brand drove hype and surprised Arsenal fans ahead of the cinema premiere of their new short film, "The Autograph", starring Bukayo Saka

Mar. 28, 2024

Ad of the Day | Domo's Jonathan Klein Directs the Film Debut of Jack in the Box's Newest Menu Item

Creative collaboration studio DOMO premieres its latest hidden camera-style brand collaboration with Jack in the Box and TBWA\Chiat\Day