The Advancing Black Arts in Pittsburgh grants program, a partnership between The Pittsburgh Foundation and The Heinz Endowments, has awarded $204,480 in grants to support artist projects and organizations presenting and producing in the fields of dance, film, music and other disciplines. Since its inception in 2010, the program has invested $3.7 million to advance the rich history and the current presence of art rooted in the black experience. It is the only grant-making program in the region explicitly dedicated to supporting the elimination of racial disparities within the larger arts sector. The program, which awards grants twice per year, supports artistic risk-taking, community outreach programming, career opportunities for artists and strategies to promote organizational growth.
Funding is highly competitive: Twice a year, a panel of arts experts and community representatives reviews submissions and makes funding recommendations to foundation staff. Just 13 of 58 submissions could be funded this cycle. Panelists for the 2016 spring grant-making cycle included: Imani D. Owens, a professor at the University of Pittsburgh; Joy KMT, a multidisciplinary artist, activist, healer and cultural commentator; and Sean Beauford, an independent curator.
Applications for the fall 2016 cycle are due Aug. 1. Guidelines and application information are available online at http://pittsburghfoundation.org/advancing_black_arts.