Black Artists Foundry
MISSION:
The Black Artists Foundry was started by Sacramento Black creatives to address inequity in arts funding. Through micro and small grant-giving we are attempting to close the gap that Black artists face in beginning and sustaining their art careers.
With funding, Black artists can expound on their creative practice with new ideas, larger-scale works, innovative experimentation, community projects, and overall, an increased capacity to produce culturally relevant work.
Donations are collected from patrons of the arts, organizations, philanthropists, collectors, and anyone else that understands the value in establishing and sustaining an environment for Black creative production. Fine, applied, and creative artists using all mediums are encouraged to apply.
HISTORY/INFORMATION:
On June 2020, founding director Faith McKinnie started Black Artists Foundry to address inequity in arts funding. $10,000 was raised in the first weekend with 30,000 more before the end of 2020. We have launches 2 successful rounds of funding (140 total applicants) and awarded $39,000 to date. In the first 6 months of 2021, we are focusing on building capacity in Black artists in the region and assist them in preparing for local and national funding opportunities. We are also continuing our fundraising efforts and in the 3rd round and our 1 year anniversary, we plan on awarding over $100,000 and creating a residency space for Black artists. Our future is bright!