CREDO
WHAT IS CREDO?
"CREDO (Career Resource Entrepreneurial Development Opportunity) is a transformative one-week arts program designed specifically for the HBCU community. Born from a vision to nurture and amplify artistic creatives, CREDO creates an immersive environment where talented HBCU students can flourish alongside experienced faculty and successful alumni artists".
HBCU Arts Career Resource Entrepreneurial Development Opportunity (CREDO) serves as both a sanctuary for creative exploration and a practical launchpad for arts careers. Each day, participants engage in hands-on workshops, mentoring sessions, and collaborative projects that strengthen their artistic skills while also developing essential professional competencies. CREDO intentionally keeps its cohorts small and intimate, ensuring that every participant receives personalized attention and forms meaningful connections. *Cohort members must be able to present work at the emerging professional level or higher.
Beyond technical training, CREDO celebrates the rich cultural heritage of HBCUs and their contributions to American arts. The program culminates in public performances where students showcase their talents to appreciative audiences and potential employers, often leading to valuable professional opportunities. By bringing together different generations of HBCU artists, CREDO creates a powerful ecosystem of support, inspiration, and advancement in the arts.
This year, CREDO will be presented in partnership with Castle of our Skins. Castle of our Skins is a Boston-based Black arts institution dedicated to fostering cultural curiosity and celebrating Black artistry through music.
When & Where?
• Dates: July 31 - August 7, 2026
• Location: Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts
Who participates?
• Students: Selected through auditions that evaluate their artistic work, school pride, and career goals
• Faculty: Serve as mentors while also developing their own creative skills
• Professional HBCU Alumni: Provide real-world expertise, mentoring, and networking connections
What happens during the program?
• Participant cohorts are designed to foster creativity and collaboration
• Industry experts lead workshops and offer career guidance
• Students showcase their talents at public performances
• Everyone builds valuable professional connections
What opportunties await you?
• Perform at Union Chapel in Oak Bluffs
•1-hour solo showcase of your artistry
• Participation in the VIP reception
• Featured artist in the Tuesday night Talent Showcase (a teaser to draw an audience for your solo showcase)
• Access to guest artist mentoring, master classes, and cohort artist collaborators
• Network with philanthropists, arts industry professionals, and new audiences
• Private time each day to work on your creative artistry
• Enjoy the beauty and history of Martha's Vineyard
Program Benefits
HBCU Arts CREDO helps participants grow professionally, build networks, strengthen cultural connections, and advance their careers in the arts. It serves as a stepping stone for the next generation of artists and cultural leaders from HBCUs.
Audition Process
Complete the online audition process adhering to audition requirements & guidelines detailed below.
Semi-finalists will be notified by April 30th
Finalists will be notified by May15th. with the opportunity to sell pre-approved works/products & promotional merchandise.
online auditions!
AUDITION REQUIREMENTS & GUIDELINES
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Deadline February 28, 2026
Requirements:
Student
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Age 18-25 as of May 1, 2026
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Matriculated and in good standing at an HBCU during Spring 2026
Alum Emerging Artist
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Minimum age of 21
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Maximum age of 35
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Graduate from HBCU no earlier than 2021
We’re looking for artists whose work is polished, expressive, and ready for a stage, gallery wall, screen, or audience. Your portfolio should highlight your strongest work, demonstrating you’re ready to step into a public showcase. This can be in any art form or combination of forms.
Two (2) letters of recommendation from a teacher or professional artist that has experienced your work.
Three (3) minute artistic work sample presentation video.
A complete application with a $50 Application fee.
Tuition for one week $5,000. Includes housing & program (does not include travel, meals, & incidentals).
* Contact Dr. Jolie Rocke jrocke@driventheater.org for inquiries regarding funding support to defray costs.
Complete Online Application
https://forms.gle/Y2kfty4j4kfL1iRo9
1. How to Record Your Audition
TECHNICAL TIPS:
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PLEASE do not use external microphones.
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Wear school paraphernalia or display school paraphernalia in the background
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Try to get as close-up as possible on video recordings.
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Try to frame the shot from the waist up, with not too much empty space above the head in the frame.
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Also try to raise the video source closer to eye level so that the judges can see you face-to-face, rather than looking up at you.
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Film in landscape/horizontal frame.
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Record ONE work in its entirety.
At the beginning of your recording, state:
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Your first and last name
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Name of the HBCU you are attending or attended
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The date of recording
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A brief description of your artistic work sample.
Performing Artists:
Include the title, name of work, composer/author/choreographer/creator, and date of performance for each work included. Include a work sample that was performed/created or in-process since May 2025.
Accompaniment options:
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Live piano accompaniment
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Recorded piano accompaniments (i.e. Appcompanist or YouTube)
Visual Artists:
Please label the work to include the title and date each work was created or performed. Include a work sample that was performed/created or in-process since May 2025.
Literary Artists:
Please send your work in .pdf format and include a video briefly describing 3 samples of your work. Include a work sample that was performed/created or in-process since May 2025.
2. Upload to YouTube
• You will need to upload your recording(s) to YouTube.
• Post the video as either Public or Unlisted.
• Judges will not be able to view the video if it is Private.
• By posting the video as Unlisted, only people you share the link with will be able to view your video.
3. Link YouTube to HBCU Arts and Submit
• Within your application, paste the URL of your YouTube selection(s).
• Pay the application fee and submit the Application. You cannot edit your application after you submit it. Applications will not be considered without payment.
• You will be notified via email when the judges have completed evaluations.
For inquiries or additional information contact jrocke@driventheater.org