BANF (BIPOC Arts & Network Fund) announces the launch of the Cultural Treasure Accelerator (CTA) initiative. This groundbreaking program is specifically designed for BIPOC-led and BIPOC-serving arts and cultural organizations. Each of the twelve awardees recognized in the CTA initiative will receive a $20,000 grant totaling an investment of $240,000.
The CTA initiative is not just about financial support. It’s about building a community to accelerate resilience and stability. Awardees will be part of a 12-month peer network aimed at sharing experiences, opportunities, and challenges. By connecting each organization’s success and progress narratives, BANF will offer a unique opportunity to strengthen the future of Greater Houston’s thriving Arts Ecosystem.
BANF is excited to support organizations that have a profound impact on BIPOC art communities, including those who present, produce, and/or create arts programming that celebrates, uplifts, explores, and/or gives an authentic voice to BIPOC communities, as well as youth / school-age arts education programming that contributes to BIPOC student success.
To be eligible for the Cultural Treasure Accelerator, organizations must be founded, led by, and serving Black, Indigenous, Latine, Asian, Pacific Islander, Middle Eastern, North African, Arab, or other communities of color. They must also be located in and serve the 9-county region of Greater Houston, which includes Austin County, Brazoria, Chambers, Fort Bend, Galveston, Harris, Liberty, Montgomery, and Waller.
Sixto Wagan, Project Director of BIPOC Arts Network and Fund (BANF), is excited about the transformative potential of the Cultural Treasure Accelerator initiative. “This initiative is about recognizing and profoundly empowering BIPOC-led and BIPOC-serving arts organizations in Greater Houston. We are laying the foundation for a resilient and stable arts ecosystem that champions, celebrates, and strengthens our vibrant communities of color,” Sixto said,
Individual artists and organizations interested in applying can visit https://houstonbanf.org/banf-houston-cultural-accelerator/. Applications are open and due on May 28, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. Notification and announcement will occur on September 2024.