With support from the California Arts Council, Whacking Los Angeles (WLA) will use Punking and Whacking to expand access to dance education, programming, and cultural events for BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ communities. Through the Colors Whacking Festival and the year-round “Colors Continuum” engagement series, WLA creates cultural exchanges that celebrate Black and Brown queer dance forms in their birthplace, Los Angeles.
Colors addresses community needs by creating affirming arts spaces, promoting equitable access, and preserving culture through workshops, performances, panels, social dance spaces, and entry-level opportunities for dancers. WLA implements equity through scholarships and affordable programming while supporting mentorship and professional development. The grant supports year-round festival planning, outreach, artist development, partnerships, and public programming leading into the December 2026 Colors Festival and continuing through September 2027, strengthening community relationships and supporting future festival cycles.