The Director of the School of Film & Media Arts, Professor Cigdem Slankard, has been selected to receive a $12,000 grant in support of her current documentary film project.  

“The Virtual Village,” by Cigdem Slankard, is a feature-length documentary about a Facebook group connecting over 40,000 Turkish immigrant women across 90 countries. What began as a space to share advice and support has evolved into a lifeline — fostering friendship, activism, and real-world impact. Through intimate stories and diverse perspectives, the film explores how digital spaces can create belonging, amplify marginalized voices, and build resilient communities in the face of migration, isolation, and cultural displacement.

With the seventh cycle of this fund, each artist’s project was selected by a panel of five jurors to receive a grant of $12,000. The Satellite Fund, administered by SPACES since 2019 and supported by The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts Regional Regranting, is an opportunity for Cuyahoga County based artists, curators, and cultural producers to create a public visual art project engaging in experimental practices with strong conceptual foundations. In addition to financial support, SPACES provides access to on-site artist workshops outfitted with tools and equipment to facilitate the production process. Additionally, awardees receive a one-year SPACES Artist level Membership, giving free access to networking and artist professional development opportunities throughout the year. Visit thesatellitefund.org for more information.

Visit SPACES Cleveland for more info.

Congratulations, Cigdem!