The American South for too long has been defined by outdated stereotypes and monolithic narratives that exclude many of the South’s 100 million-plus people.
Salvation South—a weekly, online magazine of journalism, essays, fiction, poetry, podcasts, films, and other visual content—came into being in 2021. Through it, writers and other creators have shown there isn't one South; there are 10,000. Salvation South believes that if anyone has a story about how the South has shaped their life, that story is worth telling.
Salvation South is now expanding its vision by launching the nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization, the Salvation South Storytelling Fund. With your support, the fund will build capability in three areas.
Direct Creator Support
● Fair Compensation: Build a fund dedicated to paying writers, podcasters, and filmmakers.
● Accessible Opportunities: No barriers based on formal education, existing connections, or economic status.
Community Building
● Annual Convening: Organize an annual gathering connecting leading Southern storytellers with emerging voices.
● Regional Networks: Create sustainable communities for ongoing collaboration and mentorship, and help existing networks share knowledge with others across the region.
● Cross-Medium Collaboration: Foster connections between writers, filmmakers, poets, podcasters, songwriters, and other storytellers.
Teach the Storytelling Arts to New Generations
● Accessible learning tools: Build resources for aspiring storytellers who lack the means or access to traditional arts education programs in academic settings.
● Teach across multiple media: Enable aspiring storytellers to use the written word, audio, video, and emerging formats.