Recognizing that individual artists are essential to Houston’s arts ecosystem BANF is, investing $1M over three years to create transformative opportunities for artists whose artistic practice demonstrates a history of leadership, service, and support for and with Greater Houston’s BIPOC communities.
A one-time investment of up to $20,000 each to 25 artists
The BANF Artist Awards will provide a one-time investment of up to $20,000 each to 25 artists who are members of Greater Houston's Black, Indigenous, Latinx, Asian American, Pacific Islander, Middle Eastern and/or other communities of color.
The award recipients engage in an eighteen-month learning cohort that will build space for dreaming and for action in order to transform our BIPOC arts ecosystem.
The 2025 Awards will be the second and final round, naming 25 artists who will form a learning community starting in or about January 2025.
Applicants to Round 1 are encouraged to reapply.
Who Can Apply?
Self-identify as a member of a BIPOC community
Have an operating residence and serve in the 9-County Region of Greater Houston for the past 24 months
Eligible counties: Austin, Brazoria, Chambers, Fort Bend, Galveston, Harris, Liberty, Montgomery, and Waller Counties
Be at least 21 years old
Criteria
Artists who self-identify as a member of Greater Houston’s Black, Indigenous, Latinx, Asian Pacific Islander and/or other communities of color will receive particular consideration.
Artists whose creative work has been recognized by local, regional, or national cultural organizations, leaders, artistic professionals, or other community advocates and leaders. Not necessarily recognition only through awards; but also through community impact, and the contribution their art/product has had in the community.
Artists have demonstrated a history of service and support for and with a community of color in Houston. The artists’ focus is geared towards a thriving community rather than individual gain. Distinctive from collaboration, service to the community highlights the well-being, and growth of its members.
Artists have demonstrated a history of and commitment to artistic activity/production.
Artists have demonstrated a commitment to learning, offering expertise, and engaging with others in a productive and active manner.