Black Creatives Community Fund

In the wake of the brutal killings of Tony McDade, Nina Pop, Breonna Taylor, Ahmad Arbury, and countless others, thousands are marching and demanding justice for Black lives globally. Our current uprising is bringing the systemic inequities and denial of basic civil rights that have long existed for Black people to the forefront. COVID-19 and racism are killing us at alarming rates and there is an overwhelming need for resources to be distributed directly to Black creatives. Due to this immense need, many artists like myself have applied tirelessly to mutual aid funds and have been denied. Thus the artist-led Black Creatives Community Fund was initiated. 

Mission- I aim to raise $7,500 to support 15 Black working artists/creatives with $500 grants. These funds will immediately be distributed to the artists upon reaching our goal. If we exceed our goal, additional funds will go to more artists in need and a future community-centered art project. Some of the artists you will be helping support include Caleb Jamel Brown(@twoflats), Neka King(@nnekkaa_), Nicholas Goodly(@nicholasgoodly), Rene Fisher(@rene.fisher), Charity Harris(@thefashionsculptor), and more! 

Art has historically played a crucial role in many liberation movements. Artists are putting themselves at risk to photograph the movement, creating social media content to combat racism, and creating works to inspire impactful change in these uncertain times. 

I belong to a wonderful community of art enthusiasts and supporters, so I know reaching our goal is feasible. My main motivation for pursuing a career in the arts is to open doors for other Black creatives and this work starts by acknowledging that societal efforts to overcome discrimination against Black people have not been effective enough. The time to act is now. Addressing the disparities that exist in the art world among Black artists must be a continuous process.

We are angry, we are fighting, we are hurting, we are healing. Please stand in solidarity with Black creatives and donate to help amplify our voices. Having access to these funds could make the difference in someone being able to continue to pursue their life’s work. My goal is to uplift artists who are uplifting the world. If you have any questions, feel free to email me at [email redacted]. 

“Despite the variety of my explorations, throughout it all it has been my contention that my responsibility as an artist is to work, to sing for my supper, to make art, beautiful and powerful, that adds and reveals; to beautify the mess of a messy world, to heal the sick and feed the helpless; to shout bravely from the roof-tops and storm barricaded doors and voice the specifics of our historic moment.” 

-Carrie Mae Weems