South Arts, a nonprofit headquartered in Atlanta, announced the launch of a new grant initiative called “Cultural Sustainability.”
The program, funded in part by the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta, will provide over $1.14 million in general operating grant funding to approximately 12 arts organizations across nine states — including Georgia, Florida and Mississippi, to name a few.
According to a release, the grants will be awarded to a diverse array of organizations spanning artistic and cultural disciplines that “engage and support communities of color.”
Among the eligible grant recipients include designated nonprofit organizations, private entities, fiscally sponsored artist/ensemble organizations, as well as state and federally recognized tribal governments.
In addition to receiving funding, selected organizations will also get the chance to participate in collaborative learning experiences, with a focus on numerous themes such as solidarity, healing, wellness and preservation, among others.
“We’re excited to introduce Cultural Sustainability as a new initiative at South Arts, though this concept has long been central to our mission. This marks a significant milestone in our journey toward realizing that vision,” said Joy Young, South Arts’ Vice President of Programs.
Cultural Sustainability is part of a larger $6.6 million national initiative by the U.S. Regional Arts Organizations (USRAOs), as well as The Wallace Foundation’s “Advancing Well-Being in the Arts” program — which provides funding to arts organizations rooted in communities of color.
With the Cultural Sustainability program, South Arts hopes to “promote equity, diversity and inclusion within the arts sector while learning how organizations that have historically been underrepresented advance sustainability,” said the organization.
“We’re thrilled to take part in stewarding this major support across our region,” said Susie Surkamer, president and chief executive officer of South Arts.
“Through this program, we look forward to growing our knowledge and understanding of how community-based arts organizations can advance our region’s sustainability and well-being through the arts and culture, while also highlighting their work at the helm of their communities.”
Eligible organizations can apply from now through Feb. 5, 2025, with an informational webinar taking place in December of this year.
For more information, visit the South Arts website.
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