BANF seeks leaders in the arts community, including independent artists, educators, patrons, community advocates and organizers. The selected reviewers will join BANF to engage in a peer-review process to consider applications for upcoming BANF opportunities. 

In celebration of Women’s History Month, the BIPOC Arts Network and Fund (BANF) proudly spotlights the monumental achievements of three distinguished women who have profoundly impacted Houston’s artistic and cultural fabric. Stacey Allen, Dr. Lavanya Rajagopalan, and Dr. Gabriela Baeza Ventura harnessed their unique talents and visions to challenge boundaries, inspire communities, and pave new pathways in their respective fields. BANF has recognized and supported their inspiring work to elevate community voices.

As a new organization, the BIPOC Arts Network and Fund works in the greater Houston area to bring together philanthropy, artists, and community leaders. We’re both a resource network and a place where people can learn from BIPOC arts communities.

During Black History Month, the BIPOC Arts Network and Fund (BANF) extends its most profound appreciation to six pivotal African American organizations that have significantly shaped Houston’s cultural landscape.

The BIPOC Arts Network and Fund (BANF), in collaboration with Arts Connect Houston, shared the outcomes from their pioneering Arts Education Landscape Exploration Project. This initiative casts a spotlight on the evolving landscape of art education within the Greater Houston Area, with a dedicated focus on fostering the success of BIPOC students in K-12 education.

This February, Houston’s Black History Month will be marked by a series of culturally enriching events hosted by the Buffalo Soldiers National Museum and the Community Artists’ Collective. These prominent institutions, recognized as ‘Houston Cultural Treasures’ by The Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) Arts Network and Fund (BANF), are set to offer a wide range of engaging activities for the community.

The BIPOC Arts Network and Fund’s recognition and support of Houston Cultural Treasures is essential to address the history of under-recognition and under-resourcing for these organizations.

Founded in 2020 by Kevin Barnett, CoolxDad has quickly become a vital organization that uplifts and inspires fathers, offering a range of programs and initiatives to foster strong family bonds and eradicate negative stereotypes. We recently had the opportunity to learn more about this remarkable organization and its journey, including its recognition with a BANF grant.