Grantee Database
artEquity Community
Grant Year
2024-25
Grant Program
Statewide and Regional Networks
Award Amount
$32,405.00
Project Description
With assistance from the California Arts Council, artEquity Community will support and expand core programming that centers BIPOC leadership and wellness. This includes the BIPOC Leadership Circle, BIPOC Surviving Predominantly White Institutions, and initiatives to engage our growing alumni base.
The Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) Leadership Circle brings together BIPOC leaders of cultural arts institutions to provide support, strategies, and systems of accountability while creating dynamic new leadership models that center BIPOC experiences.
Black, Indigenous, People of Color Surviving Predominately White Institutions is a series of trainings that supports BIPOC staff in navigating organizational environments that are not always conducive to their growth.
These core programs support BIPOC artists and arts leaders in building community and solidarity, and they offer powerful tools and strategies to advance equity throughout the arts sector.
Organization Summary
After eleven years of work in Los Angeles at the intersection of art and social change, artEquity pursues its vision through varied programmatic approaches:
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT THROUGH COHORTS OF ARTS LEADERS exemplified by our BIPOC Leadership Circle — a six-month program culminating in a weeklong in-person retreat in Los Angeles. Four cohorts have served 172 arts leaders of color. Los Angeles partners have included Inner-City Arts, Great Leap, Latino Theatre Company, Plaza de la Raza, The Geffen Playhouse, Center Theatre Group, Leimert Park Village, WACO Theatre Center, and St. Elmo Village.
SHARE RESOURCES AND TOOLS FOR SOCIAL CHANGE through BIPOC Surviving Predominantly White Institutions and Talking Back. The first is a five-part virtual training series developed with BIPOC mental health leaders that has served over 6,300 participants. Talking Back features candid conversations among BIPOC arts leaders reaching thousands of viewers. We also share resources across social media and our newsletter.
SUPPORT VISIONARY BLACK ARTS LEADERS facing systemic barriers. One example: artEquity is actively supporting Tarell Alvin McCraney, the first Black Artistic Director of The Geffen Playhouse, to bolster his vision and address an alarming pattern of Black arts leaders leaving executive positions prematurely.
STRATEGICALLY CONVENE ARTISTS AND ARTS LEADERS OF COLOR in cross-generational celebration and solidarity. Our Black Playwrights Gathering — first held on Juneteenth 2024 in Los Angeles in partnership with Dominique Morisseau and Aleshea Harris — brought together nearly 100 Black playwrights for community building. The next gathering is planned for Juneteenth 2026. Our biennial Alumni Gathering brings together alumni from all artEquity programs for community and coalition building while centering wellness.
PROVIDE DIRECT FINANCIAL SUPPORT through our Artist + Activist Community Fund, which has supported 246 individuals and organizations with over $900,000 in unrestricted micro-grants — including a focus on BIPOC Elders and Cultural Bearers.
Organization
artEquity Community
Address
556 S FAIR OAKS AVE STE 101 # 464
PASADENA
91105-2657
County
Los Angeles
Region
South – Los Angeles & Orange
Website
