The Dr. English Fellowship is a 4-month-long mentorship program for young adults who have been through the foster care system and have an interest in the arts.
If you are accepted into the program, you will be matched with an artist in their creative field of interest, whom you will meet with every week throughout the program. If you are looking for an opportunity to grow your artistic talents, meet other artists, showcase your work, break into creative industries, or all of the above, you should apply! Past fellows have specialized in mediums such as film, music, fashion, dance, writing, animation, and visual art.
Check out 2022 fellow, Chyenne Roan-Santini’s reflection on her final showcase to learn more about the program!
Questions can be directed to Engagement Director Jessica Emmanuel at jessica@heididuckler.org.
About Dr. English
Raised in Southern California, Dr. Kerry English was well-known in the medical community as both a teacher and a doctor. He was the medical director of the MLK Outpatient Center Foster Care Hub Clinic in Watts, director of the Child Development Division of the Pediatric Department of Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, and director of the Pediatric Department of the King/Drew Medical Center, where he worked for over 40 years. He also taught at CDU, as well as his medical alma mater UCLA. In addition to his work, Dr. English served on the board of Drew Child Development Corporation, El Nido Family Centers, and SHIELDS for Families.
Dr. English fostered a deep passion for the arts. He could often be found attending theater performances across Los Angeles. He was a board member for many arts organizations, including 24th Street Theatre, Cornerstone Theater, Secret City, and the Watts Towers Arts Center.
The Dr. Kerry English MLK Jr. Outpatient Center Creative Fellowship lies at the intersection of Dr. English’s dedication to the arts and to the wellbeing of individuals in the foster care system. The fellowship is currently funded by Dr. English’s widow, Olga Garray-English.
Fall 2024 Creative Fellows
Cathie Arteaga
Cathie Arteaga is a driven individual currently pursuing her studies at Los Angeles Trade Tech, majoring in Digital Media. Born in Los Angeles and raised across California, Cathie grew up in and out of the foster care system which instilled her with resilience that has propelled her through life’s challenges.
A natural creative, Cathie discovered her passion for content creation through TikTok, where she first started upcycling clothes and putting together videos. This initial spark ignited a fervent interest in the art of film.
After acquiring her high school diploma, Cathie delved into the non-profit sector, channeling her energy towards organizations dedicated to assisting low-income communities. Driven by her profound dedication to community wellbeing, Cathie has actively contributed to initiatives aimed at uplifting those in need.
With the help of The Young Musicians Foundation she has created a short film and is currently acting in another short film. Currently, Cathie is immersing herself in the world of arts, taking on roles in various roles as she continues to hone her craft.
Deeply rooted in her community, Cathie firmly believes in the transformative power of providing individuals with the necessary resources and opportunities for success. With her sights set on furthering her education in production and filmmaking, Cathie plans to transfer to USC’s esteemed film school, where she aims to expand her knowledge and skills to make a lasting impact in the world of cinema.
Michael Papias
Michael Papias is a Mexican-American photographer—based out of Los Angeles, CA. Having entered California’s foster care system at the age of 10, Michael’s projects focus on topics of (1) family, (2) addressing gaps in cultural knowledge, and (3) self-determination for all historically marginalized people.
Michael’s work is best described as taking place in the in-between space of social science research and a culturally resilient creative practice. Primarily working in analogue mediums over the past 13 years, his body of work has developed an intentional art practice that brings into focus the stories of invisible labor and oppressed identities—centering a “built by hand” practice.
Since graduating from the University of California, Berkeley in 2021—Michael has used his knowledge, in research and photography, to assist former foster youth and other historically marginalized artists across California develop their own creative careers.
Michael is an emerging historically marginalized artist who’s work has received national awards, publications, and fellowships.
