ARPO partners with Tata Trusts to launch Earthlore Fellowship

We are thrilled to announce the launch of the Earthlore Fellowship, a pioneering initiative by the Archivala and Research Project (ARPO) in collaboration with Tata Trusts. This fellowship is designed to support and nurture young Indigenous musicians, providing them with the resources and mentorship to refine their artistry and share their traditions with the world.

The development marks a significant moment in ARPO's journey. One of the most prestigious funders in India, Tata Trusts' decision to support us, within three years of the start of our work, gives us immense confidence in our journey forward. "It reaffirms our commitment to preserving and promoting indigenous musical traditions while fostering meaningful collaborations between tribal and non-tribal artists", said Sruthin Lal, Executive Director of ARPO.

A Platform for Artistic Growth & Cultural Exchange

The Earthlore Fellowship is a nine-month program, structured into two key phases:

• Training & Skill Development (April–September 2025): Indigenous musicians and four non-tribal professional musicians will undergo intensive training, workshops, and collaborative sessions under the guidance of experts.
• Performance & Outreach (October–December 2025): The fellows will embark on a performance tour, sharing their evolved musical expressions with wider audiences.

Who Can Apply?

The fellowship is open to indigenous musicians aged 16 to 35 from Wayanad (Kerala) and Kodagu (Karnataka), as well as non-tribal musicians eager to engage in cross-cultural learning. Selected fellows will receive a monthly stipend of ₹15,000, along with support for travel and food during the program.

A Step Towards Cultural Empowerment

With Tata Trusts backing this initiative, the Earthlore Fellowship represents a crucial step in revitalizing India’s diverse musical heritage. It underscores the importance of fostering sustainable opportunities for indigenous artists while creating bridges between cultures through music.

We look forward to seeing the impact of this fellowship and invite aspiring musicians to join us in this inspiring journey!

For more details, visit: www.arpo.in/earthlorefellowship