The 2024 Summer Documentary Institute is coming!
We are overjoyed to be opening applications for the 2024 Summer Documentary Institute!
If you or someone you know is a youth age 14 to 22 who interested in gaining film production skills, want to discuss the portrayal of Appalachia in mass media, long to better understand and become connected to your local communities, and want to collaborate with skilled educators, artists, and fellow youth — we encourage you to apply! Applications will open on March 15th and close on April 26th.
Persevering After Destruction
On July 28, 2022, catastrophic flooding hit eastern Kentucky, severely impacting much of our local communities. The Appalachian Media Institute is still working to recover from the devasting losses we have endured, and we appreciate your patience as we begin to return to our normal programming. We appreciate the support we have received during such a difficult time.
We are optimistic as we persevere and continue our work of uplifting the voices of Appalachian youth. Stay up-to-date on our recovery efforts and future programming announcements on our social media sites and consider donating to support our future work.
36 Years of Creative Youth Development in Central Appalachia
Since 1988, the Appalachian Media Institute has prepared generations of young people to work in their communities and to confront persistent problems. In learning how to examine and represent critical community issues, youth who work with AMI develop a range of verbal, artistic, and technological skills that connect them civically to their homes.
Summer Documentary Institute
For over 35 years, the Summer Documentary Institute has allowed the youth of Appalachia tell their own stories through a lens that they control.
Convergent Media Fellowship
Providing a more advanced multimedia learning experience, the Convergent Media Fellowship allows our talented young people to delve deeper into media making.
Our Impact
Dedicated to the youth of Appalachia
The Appalachian Media Institute is proud to continue it’s mission of placing cameras in the hands of Appalachian youths. We strive to teach the young people of our region the skills to produce media, as well as help them explore and navigate the complex region that is central Appalachia. With these skills, they have all they need to tell their own stories — the story of their home.
“Working at the Appalachian Media Institute serves as a reminder of Appalachia’s artistry, humor, and energy. Through this program, there are countless ways to tell a story so long as it’s told with thoughtfulness and care.”
““Through our media creating experiences, we have each shared our own stories and spread awareness about things that mean the most to us. Within doing so, I have made connections with people that will be lifelong. AMI has truly helped me find the meaning of community and the importance of friendship.””
The Appalachian Media Institute is made possible by the generous support of our partners and a wonderful community of donors, friends, family and peers. We thank you for making this important program a possibility for 35 years and counting!
The Appalachian Media Institute is made possible by the generous support of:
The John D and Catherine T MacArthur Foundation, The Steele-Reese Foundation, All Access EKY, E.T. Collinsworth, Glenn Ihrig, the National Endowment for the Arts, Joy of Giving Something Foundation, the Appalshop Production & Education Fund.
