Dunaway Gardens in Georgia will be the new home of Sundance Institute’s Episodic Lab program.
Dunaway Gardens in Newnan, Georgia will host the Sundance Institute’s six-day immersive program, providing artists with creative and strategic advice from experienced showrunners, producers and executives to advance their projects and careers.
“Dunaway Gardens has a long history of nurturing the talent of both established and emerging artists,” added Tena Clark, founder of Dunaway Gardens. “We couldn’t be more excited that Sundance Institute has called Dunaway the new home of this episodic program that has been the launching pad for such great artistry for many years.”
Episodic Lab’s immersive experience is created to connect early-career writers with unproduced original series IP, giving them the opportunity to work under the guidance of established showrunners and development executives from studios, networks, and major production companies. Fellows will workshop pilots, pitch their series, and participate in one-on-one story meetings, case study screenings, panels, and writers rooms focused on advancing the series concept. Fellows are also supported through pre-lab workshops and ongoing support from Sundance Institute throughout the year.
The Lab is designed to provide a training ground for independent voices, and the program is designed to help creators advance their projects and careers.
“We are thrilled to launch an exciting new partnership with Dunaway Gardens,” said Michelle Sutter, Founding Senior Director, Artist Programs, Sundance Institute. “Dunaway Gardens will be the home of the Sundance Episodic Lab, which begins with the 2026 Lab and will run from May 15-20 and continue for years to come.” Sutter continued, “As a cornerstone of the Sundance Institute, our Episodic Program provides rigorous, customized creative and strategic support to hundreds of emerging authors, creating original, visionary scripted episodes that have elevated their careers and impacted the industry. “This collaboration, facilitated by our strong connections with Gardens founder Tena Clark, ensures we have a natural and inspiring space to continue to bring the community together in support of emerging episodes.” storytellers. ”
Jandice Estrada Cardos, director of episodic programs, added: “The entire team at Tena and Dunaway Gardens, all creators themselves, are working with Sundance Institute to champion and elevate the importance of artist support. This is ensuring that those whose stories take the biggest risks have a place to come, collaborate and reinvigorate environments like this, working with the best creative advisors and mentors in the country.”
Applications for Sundance Institute’s 2026 Episode Lab are open until November 9th.
