African Arts Academy Awarded California Arts Council “Cultural Pathways” Grant
State funds support arts programs rooted in communities of color, recent immigrant and refugee communities, or tribal groups
San Francisco, CA – The California Arts Council announced its plans to award $18000 to African Arts Academy as part of its Cultural Pathways program.
The Cultural Pathways program is rooted in the California Arts Council’s commitment to serving the needs of an increasingly demographically complex California, and the belief that a healthy arts ecosystem reflects contributions from all of California’s diverse populations. The program provides two years of operating support and a host of technical assistance and professional development activities to small, new and emerging organizations rooted in communities of color, recent immigrant and refugee communities, and tribal or indigenous groups.
African Arts Academy is a non-profit organization that specializes in the doctrines of arts and crafts originating in Africa and the African diaspora.
The vision is to not only help change the perception of the way the world views Africa, but we also help change the perspective of people of African descent, by producing a different narrative, in highlighting the beauty and values of African Arts which has positively contributed in great nations around the world. The goal is to bridge ancient wisdom and the modern world through art education via new technology, to preserve one of the most ancient cultural heritage for generations to come.
African Arts Academy is one of 56 grantees chosen for the Cultural Pathways program. The award was featured as part of a larger announcement from the California Arts Council.
“California’s cultural diversity is its greatest creative asset,” said Nashormeh Lindo, California Arts Council Chair. “We are proud to support the work of African Arts Academy in celebration of that unique and cherished identity.”
To view a complete listing of all Cultural Pathways grantees, visit http://arts.ca.gov/programs/files/FY1718_ProjectDescriptions_CP.pdf.
This proposal requests $20,000 to support African Arts Academy whose mission is to teach arts and crafts originating in Africa and the African diaspora. The funding will help establish regular dance, music classes, and more, that is deeply rooted in the black community of San Francisco. Fund will also help produce concerts showcasing African Immigrant artists of the bay area, featuring their original work.
The mission of the California Arts Council, a state agency, is to advance California through the arts and creativity. The Council is committed to building public will and resources for the arts; fostering accessible arts initiatives that reflect contributions from all of California's diverse populations; serving as a thought leader and champion for the arts; and providing effective and relevant programs and services.
Members of the California Arts Council include: Chair Nashormeh Lindo, Vice Chair Larry Baza, Phoebe Beasley, Christopher Coppola, Juan Devis, Kathleen Gallegos, Jaime Galli, Donn K. Harris, Louise McGuinness, Steven Oliver, and Rosalind Wyman. Learn more at www.arts.ca.gov.
