Fulbright Recipient Spotlight: Levester Williams, Sculpture, South Africa
Levester Williams, from Lasing, Michigan, will receive his master’s of fine art in sculpture and extended media from VCU in May. With the support of his Fulbright award, Williams will explore the role of identity, memory and community in the urban landscape through the critical lens of art in Johannesburg. South Africa. Williams has proposed to create artworks that will engage with the politics and poetics of space and place surrounding Johannesburg and its ongoing transformation into a post-apartheid city. After his experience with Fulbright, Williams will pursue his career as a Visual Artist.
What is your research focus or proposal for your Fulbright award?
I will explore the role of identity, memory and community in the urban landscape of Johannesburg and, by extension, South Africa through the critical lens of art. I propose to create artworks (sculptures, public sculptural installations) that will engage with the politics and poetics of space and place (i.e., the public sphere) surrounding Johannesburg and its ongoing transformation into a post-apartheid city.
What initially drew you to apply for the Fulbright?
To have financial support within another country resonated strongly with my desire to immerse myself within my art practice at a pivotal moment of life (postgrad).
What do you plan on doing after your Fulbright year?
[Become a] Visual Artist.
What advice would you give to future applicants?
Clarity. Specificity. Self-determination.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I apply for a Fulbright?
Levester and his ten fellow recipients from VCU worked with the National Scholarship Office (NSO) at Virginia Commonwealth University. The NSO works with VCU alumni, graduate students, and undergraduates who wish to compete for prestigious national and international scholarships, such as Fulbright. If you are interested in applying for Fulbright or other nationally or internationally competitive scholarships, please contact the NSO at natlscholar@vcu.edu or (804) 828-6868.
How many students from VCU are awarded the Fulbright?
With this latest group of Fulbright Student Scholarship recipients, 42 VCU students and recent alumni have been offered Fulbright awards since the National Scholarship Office was created in 2005.
Can you tell me more about the Fulbright?
Established in 1946, the Fulbright Program aims to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and other countries, through the exchange of persons, knowledge and skills. Sponsored by the United States Department of State, the Fulbright Program provides funding for students, scholars and professionals to undertake graduate study, advanced research, university teaching and teaching in elementary and secondary schools. Learn more at us.fulbrightonline.org.