Arts Organizations and Communities of Color
The initiative provides grants to arts organizations of color and to other efforts to address the chronic underinvestment in this sector and support its well-being.
What we're doing
Arts organizations founded by, with, or for communities of color play critical roles in their communities. Despite this, they have long been overlooked and underfunded.
This initiative has three prongs:
- Support for 18 relatively large organizations of color around the country to advance their organizational well-being. The organizations span visual and performing arts, media arts, and community-based organizations focused on artistic practice.
- Funding for arts intermediary organizations in their support of arts organizations of color.
- Support for research projects proposed by arts service organizations rooted in communities of color.
What we're learning
There are two categories of studies currently underway:
- Documentation of the work of the 18 relatively large arts organizations of color. Research fellows paired with the 18 organizations are documenting how these organizations define their well-being, how they work towards it, and how it relates to their communities.
- Research studies proposed by arts service organizations rooted in communities of color. These studies explore concerns arts service organizations believe are relevant to their well-being and that of their communities.
Our Grantee Partners
1Hood Media
Arab American National Museum
BlackStar
Chicago Sinfonietta
EastSide Arts Alliance, Black Cultural Zone, and Artist As First Responder
Esperanza Peace and Justice Center
The Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture
The Laundromat Project
Museo de Arte Contemporáneo de Puerto Rico
PHILADANCO! The Philadelphia Dance Company
Pillsbury House + Theater
Pregones / Puerto Rican Traveling Theater
Queer Women of Color Media Arts - QWOCMAP
Ragamala Dance Company
Rebuild Foundation
Self Help Graphics & Art
Theater Mu
The Union for Contemporary Art
Key Studies
The Alchemy of High-Performing Arts Organizations
Interviews with 20 arts leaders suggest high-quality art that resonates with an organization’s community is a key to success.
Report
The Alchemy of High-Performing Arts Organizations, Part II
Researchers examine how leaders of arts organizations of color view the reasons for their success and challenges they face.
Report
A Place to be Heard; a Space to Feel Held
This study seeks to better understand cultural and creative preferences among Black communities.
Report
