Calendar of Events

Calling all spoken word artists 15 years or older

ABOUT WORDplay©

WORDplay© is a twelve month slam poetry competition featuring Spoken Word Poets from all over Western North Carolina. Each month ten to twelve Poets will be selected via video submissions, for the chance to compete for Different Strokes Performing Arts Collective’s WORDplay© championship and a $1,000.00 cash prize. The monthly online competition, hosted by local Poets Barbie Angell and Shanita Jackson, is open to regional Poets who are at least 15 years of age. One Poet from each month’s competition will be selected to compete in front of a live audience in the October and November 2021 Semi-Finals. Two remaining Poets will vie for the WORDplay© championship in December 2021. The second place Poet will receive $500.00. Each Semi-Finalist will receive $100.00.

We are accepting submissions for January and February rounds now through November 23, 2020. Selected Poets will be notified by December 23, 2020.

The Southern Equality Studios special grant round is dedicated to resourcing and celebrating LGBTQ artists and creatives across the LGBTQ South who are BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, or people of color). Grants of up to $500 will support BIPOC LGBTQ Southern artists working on a wide range of creative projects.

These new grant rounds are part of CSE’s Southern Equality Fund, which has been making grassroots grants across the LGBTQ South since 2015. Since its inception, the Southern Equality Fund has prioritized supporting work led by BIPOC, transgender, and rural organizers.

Have you seen an inspiring BIPOC LGBTQ artists in your community, or are you a creative who could use grant support? If so, we want to hear from you!

We are specifically seeking nominations for artists or creatives efforts who are:

• Based in the South.
• Black, Indigenous, or people of color (BIPOC).
• LGBTQ people.
• Funds can be used to support a wide range of artistic endeavors.
• Nominees are eligible to receive this grant even if they have received a previous Southern Equality Fund grant; however, priority will be given to nominees who have not yet received a grant.
• Anyone is welcome and encouraged to nominate an artist for a grant and artists may also nominate themselves.
• There are no grant reports, budgets or supplemental materials required in this process. However, if selected, applicants will have to fill out and return a W9 form to receive their funding.

This year the Asheville Area Arts Council is offering $500 micro-grants for arts-based projects specifically focused on community hope and healing. These can be projects that bring joy to our local community, and/or projects that actively engage community members in safe activities following state and local health restrictions.

Arts and culture are a fundamental part of our community. They help us connect with one another and better understand history, people, and new ideas. When people become involved in the design, creation, and upkeep of places, they develop a vested interest in using and maintaining these spaces. When neighbors have a true sense of “ownership” or connection to the places they frequent, the community becomes a better place to live, work, and visit. According to Americans for the Arts (AFTA), “86% of participants who took part in community-based art want to be involved in future projects, and people living where these art projects occurred were more than twice as likely to be civically engaged as those whose neighborhoods did not have projects.”

The Southern Equality Studios special grant round is dedicated to resourcing and celebrating LGBTQ artists and creatives across the LGBTQ South who are BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, or people of color). Grants of up to $500 will support BIPOC LGBTQ Southern artists working on a wide range of creative projects.

These new grant rounds are part of CSE’s Southern Equality Fund, which has been making grassroots grants across the LGBTQ South since 2015. Since its inception, the Southern Equality Fund has prioritized supporting work led by BIPOC, transgender, and rural organizers.

Have you seen an inspiring BIPOC LGBTQ artists in your community, or are you a creative who could use grant support? If so, we want to hear from you!

We are specifically seeking nominations for artists or creatives efforts who are:

• Based in the South.
• Black, Indigenous, or people of color (BIPOC).
• LGBTQ people.
• Funds can be used to support a wide range of artistic endeavors.
• Nominees are eligible to receive this grant even if they have received a previous Southern Equality Fund grant; however, priority will be given to nominees who have not yet received a grant.
• Anyone is welcome and encouraged to nominate an artist for a grant and artists may also nominate themselves.
• There are no grant reports, budgets or supplemental materials required in this process. However, if selected, applicants will have to fill out and return a W9 form to receive their funding.

This year the Asheville Area Arts Council is offering $500 micro-grants for arts-based projects specifically focused on community hope and healing. These can be projects that bring joy to our local community, and/or projects that actively engage community members in safe activities following state and local health restrictions.

Arts and culture are a fundamental part of our community. They help us connect with one another and better understand history, people, and new ideas. When people become involved in the design, creation, and upkeep of places, they develop a vested interest in using and maintaining these spaces. When neighbors have a true sense of “ownership” or connection to the places they frequent, the community becomes a better place to live, work, and visit. According to Americans for the Arts (AFTA), “86% of participants who took part in community-based art want to be involved in future projects, and people living where these art projects occurred were more than twice as likely to be civically engaged as those whose neighborhoods did not have projects.”

The Southern Equality Studios special grant round is dedicated to resourcing and celebrating LGBTQ artists and creatives across the LGBTQ South who are BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, or people of color). Grants of up to $500 will support BIPOC LGBTQ Southern artists working on a wide range of creative projects.

These new grant rounds are part of CSE’s Southern Equality Fund, which has been making grassroots grants across the LGBTQ South since 2015. Since its inception, the Southern Equality Fund has prioritized supporting work led by BIPOC, transgender, and rural organizers.

Have you seen an inspiring BIPOC LGBTQ artists in your community, or are you a creative who could use grant support? If so, we want to hear from you!

We are specifically seeking nominations for artists or creatives efforts who are:

• Based in the South.
• Black, Indigenous, or people of color (BIPOC).
• LGBTQ people.
• Funds can be used to support a wide range of artistic endeavors.
• Nominees are eligible to receive this grant even if they have received a previous Southern Equality Fund grant; however, priority will be given to nominees who have not yet received a grant.
• Anyone is welcome and encouraged to nominate an artist for a grant and artists may also nominate themselves.
• There are no grant reports, budgets or supplemental materials required in this process. However, if selected, applicants will have to fill out and return a W9 form to receive their funding.

This year the Asheville Area Arts Council is offering $500 micro-grants for arts-based projects specifically focused on community hope and healing. These can be projects that bring joy to our local community, and/or projects that actively engage community members in safe activities following state and local health restrictions.

Arts and culture are a fundamental part of our community. They help us connect with one another and better understand history, people, and new ideas. When people become involved in the design, creation, and upkeep of places, they develop a vested interest in using and maintaining these spaces. When neighbors have a true sense of “ownership” or connection to the places they frequent, the community becomes a better place to live, work, and visit. According to Americans for the Arts (AFTA), “86% of participants who took part in community-based art want to be involved in future projects, and people living where these art projects occurred were more than twice as likely to be civically engaged as those whose neighborhoods did not have projects.”

The Southern Equality Studios special grant round is dedicated to resourcing and celebrating LGBTQ artists and creatives across the LGBTQ South who are BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, or people of color). Grants of up to $500 will support BIPOC LGBTQ Southern artists working on a wide range of creative projects.

These new grant rounds are part of CSE’s Southern Equality Fund, which has been making grassroots grants across the LGBTQ South since 2015. Since its inception, the Southern Equality Fund has prioritized supporting work led by BIPOC, transgender, and rural organizers.

Have you seen an inspiring BIPOC LGBTQ artists in your community, or are you a creative who could use grant support? If so, we want to hear from you!

We are specifically seeking nominations for artists or creatives efforts who are:

• Based in the South.
• Black, Indigenous, or people of color (BIPOC).
• LGBTQ people.
• Funds can be used to support a wide range of artistic endeavors.
• Nominees are eligible to receive this grant even if they have received a previous Southern Equality Fund grant; however, priority will be given to nominees who have not yet received a grant.
• Anyone is welcome and encouraged to nominate an artist for a grant and artists may also nominate themselves.
• There are no grant reports, budgets or supplemental materials required in this process. However, if selected, applicants will have to fill out and return a W9 form to receive their funding.

This year the Asheville Area Arts Council is offering $500 micro-grants for arts-based projects specifically focused on community hope and healing. These can be projects that bring joy to our local community, and/or projects that actively engage community members in safe activities following state and local health restrictions.

Arts and culture are a fundamental part of our community. They help us connect with one another and better understand history, people, and new ideas. When people become involved in the design, creation, and upkeep of places, they develop a vested interest in using and maintaining these spaces. When neighbors have a true sense of “ownership” or connection to the places they frequent, the community becomes a better place to live, work, and visit. According to Americans for the Arts (AFTA), “86% of participants who took part in community-based art want to be involved in future projects, and people living where these art projects occurred were more than twice as likely to be civically engaged as those whose neighborhoods did not have projects.”

The Southern Equality Studios special grant round is dedicated to resourcing and celebrating LGBTQ artists and creatives across the LGBTQ South who are BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, or people of color). Grants of up to $500 will support BIPOC LGBTQ Southern artists working on a wide range of creative projects.

These new grant rounds are part of CSE’s Southern Equality Fund, which has been making grassroots grants across the LGBTQ South since 2015. Since its inception, the Southern Equality Fund has prioritized supporting work led by BIPOC, transgender, and rural organizers.

Have you seen an inspiring BIPOC LGBTQ artists in your community, or are you a creative who could use grant support? If so, we want to hear from you!

We are specifically seeking nominations for artists or creatives efforts who are:

• Based in the South.
• Black, Indigenous, or people of color (BIPOC).
• LGBTQ people.
• Funds can be used to support a wide range of artistic endeavors.
• Nominees are eligible to receive this grant even if they have received a previous Southern Equality Fund grant; however, priority will be given to nominees who have not yet received a grant.
• Anyone is welcome and encouraged to nominate an artist for a grant and artists may also nominate themselves.
• There are no grant reports, budgets or supplemental materials required in this process. However, if selected, applicants will have to fill out and return a W9 form to receive their funding.

This year the Asheville Area Arts Council is offering $500 micro-grants for arts-based projects specifically focused on community hope and healing. These can be projects that bring joy to our local community, and/or projects that actively engage community members in safe activities following state and local health restrictions.

Arts and culture are a fundamental part of our community. They help us connect with one another and better understand history, people, and new ideas. When people become involved in the design, creation, and upkeep of places, they develop a vested interest in using and maintaining these spaces. When neighbors have a true sense of “ownership” or connection to the places they frequent, the community becomes a better place to live, work, and visit. According to Americans for the Arts (AFTA), “86% of participants who took part in community-based art want to be involved in future projects, and people living where these art projects occurred were more than twice as likely to be civically engaged as those whose neighborhoods did not have projects.”

The Southern Equality Studios special grant round is dedicated to resourcing and celebrating LGBTQ artists and creatives across the LGBTQ South who are BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, or people of color). Grants of up to $500 will support BIPOC LGBTQ Southern artists working on a wide range of creative projects.

These new grant rounds are part of CSE’s Southern Equality Fund, which has been making grassroots grants across the LGBTQ South since 2015. Since its inception, the Southern Equality Fund has prioritized supporting work led by BIPOC, transgender, and rural organizers.

Have you seen an inspiring BIPOC LGBTQ artists in your community, or are you a creative who could use grant support? If so, we want to hear from you!

We are specifically seeking nominations for artists or creatives efforts who are:

• Based in the South.
• Black, Indigenous, or people of color (BIPOC).
• LGBTQ people.
• Funds can be used to support a wide range of artistic endeavors.
• Nominees are eligible to receive this grant even if they have received a previous Southern Equality Fund grant; however, priority will be given to nominees who have not yet received a grant.
• Anyone is welcome and encouraged to nominate an artist for a grant and artists may also nominate themselves.
• There are no grant reports, budgets or supplemental materials required in this process. However, if selected, applicants will have to fill out and return a W9 form to receive their funding.

This year the Asheville Area Arts Council is offering $500 micro-grants for arts-based projects specifically focused on community hope and healing. These can be projects that bring joy to our local community, and/or projects that actively engage community members in safe activities following state and local health restrictions.

Arts and culture are a fundamental part of our community. They help us connect with one another and better understand history, people, and new ideas. When people become involved in the design, creation, and upkeep of places, they develop a vested interest in using and maintaining these spaces. When neighbors have a true sense of “ownership” or connection to the places they frequent, the community becomes a better place to live, work, and visit. According to Americans for the Arts (AFTA), “86% of participants who took part in community-based art want to be involved in future projects, and people living where these art projects occurred were more than twice as likely to be civically engaged as those whose neighborhoods did not have projects.”

The Southern Equality Studios special grant round is dedicated to resourcing and celebrating LGBTQ artists and creatives across the LGBTQ South who are BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, or people of color). Grants of up to $500 will support BIPOC LGBTQ Southern artists working on a wide range of creative projects.

These new grant rounds are part of CSE’s Southern Equality Fund, which has been making grassroots grants across the LGBTQ South since 2015. Since its inception, the Southern Equality Fund has prioritized supporting work led by BIPOC, transgender, and rural organizers.

Have you seen an inspiring BIPOC LGBTQ artists in your community, or are you a creative who could use grant support? If so, we want to hear from you!

We are specifically seeking nominations for artists or creatives efforts who are:

• Based in the South.
• Black, Indigenous, or people of color (BIPOC).
• LGBTQ people.
• Funds can be used to support a wide range of artistic endeavors.
• Nominees are eligible to receive this grant even if they have received a previous Southern Equality Fund grant; however, priority will be given to nominees who have not yet received a grant.
• Anyone is welcome and encouraged to nominate an artist for a grant and artists may also nominate themselves.
• There are no grant reports, budgets or supplemental materials required in this process. However, if selected, applicants will have to fill out and return a W9 form to receive their funding.

This year the Asheville Area Arts Council is offering $500 micro-grants for arts-based projects specifically focused on community hope and healing. These can be projects that bring joy to our local community, and/or projects that actively engage community members in safe activities following state and local health restrictions.

Arts and culture are a fundamental part of our community. They help us connect with one another and better understand history, people, and new ideas. When people become involved in the design, creation, and upkeep of places, they develop a vested interest in using and maintaining these spaces. When neighbors have a true sense of “ownership” or connection to the places they frequent, the community becomes a better place to live, work, and visit. According to Americans for the Arts (AFTA), “86% of participants who took part in community-based art want to be involved in future projects, and people living where these art projects occurred were more than twice as likely to be civically engaged as those whose neighborhoods did not have projects.”

This year the Asheville Area Arts Council is offering $500 micro-grants for arts-based projects specifically focused on community hope and healing. These can be projects that bring joy to our local community, and/or projects that actively engage community members in safe activities following state and local health restrictions.

Arts and culture are a fundamental part of our community. They help us connect with one another and better understand history, people, and new ideas. When people become involved in the design, creation, and upkeep of places, they develop a vested interest in using and maintaining these spaces. When neighbors have a true sense of “ownership” or connection to the places they frequent, the community becomes a better place to live, work, and visit. According to Americans for the Arts (AFTA), “86% of participants who took part in community-based art want to be involved in future projects, and people living where these art projects occurred were more than twice as likely to be civically engaged as those whose neighborhoods did not have projects.”

The Southern Equality Studios special grant round is dedicated to resourcing and celebrating LGBTQ artists and creatives across the LGBTQ South who are BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, or people of color). Grants of up to $500 will support BIPOC LGBTQ Southern artists working on a wide range of creative projects.

These new grant rounds are part of CSE’s Southern Equality Fund, which has been making grassroots grants across the LGBTQ South since 2015. Since its inception, the Southern Equality Fund has prioritized supporting work led by BIPOC, transgender, and rural organizers.

Have you seen an inspiring BIPOC LGBTQ artists in your community, or are you a creative who could use grant support? If so, we want to hear from you!

We are specifically seeking nominations for artists or creatives efforts who are:

• Based in the South.
• Black, Indigenous, or people of color (BIPOC).
• LGBTQ people.
• Funds can be used to support a wide range of artistic endeavors.
• Nominees are eligible to receive this grant even if they have received a previous Southern Equality Fund grant; however, priority will be given to nominees who have not yet received a grant.
• Anyone is welcome and encouraged to nominate an artist for a grant and artists may also nominate themselves.
• There are no grant reports, budgets or supplemental materials required in this process. However, if selected, applicants will have to fill out and return a W9 form to receive their funding.

This year the Asheville Area Arts Council is offering $500 micro-grants for arts-based projects specifically focused on community hope and healing. These can be projects that bring joy to our local community, and/or projects that actively engage community members in safe activities following state and local health restrictions.

Arts and culture are a fundamental part of our community. They help us connect with one another and better understand history, people, and new ideas. When people become involved in the design, creation, and upkeep of places, they develop a vested interest in using and maintaining these spaces. When neighbors have a true sense of “ownership” or connection to the places they frequent, the community becomes a better place to live, work, and visit. According to Americans for the Arts (AFTA), “86% of participants who took part in community-based art want to be involved in future projects, and people living where these art projects occurred were more than twice as likely to be civically engaged as those whose neighborhoods did not have projects.”

This year the Asheville Area Arts Council is offering $500 micro-grants for arts-based projects specifically focused on community hope and healing. These can be projects that bring joy to our local community, and/or projects that actively engage community members in safe activities following state and local health restrictions.

Arts and culture are a fundamental part of our community. They help us connect with one another and better understand history, people, and new ideas. When people become involved in the design, creation, and upkeep of places, they develop a vested interest in using and maintaining these spaces. When neighbors have a true sense of “ownership” or connection to the places they frequent, the community becomes a better place to live, work, and visit. According to Americans for the Arts (AFTA), “86% of participants who took part in community-based art want to be involved in future projects, and people living where these art projects occurred were more than twice as likely to be civically engaged as those whose neighborhoods did not have projects.”

The Southern Equality Studios special grant round is dedicated to resourcing and celebrating LGBTQ artists and creatives across the LGBTQ South who are BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, or people of color). Grants of up to $500 will support BIPOC LGBTQ Southern artists working on a wide range of creative projects.

These new grant rounds are part of CSE’s Southern Equality Fund, which has been making grassroots grants across the LGBTQ South since 2015. Since its inception, the Southern Equality Fund has prioritized supporting work led by BIPOC, transgender, and rural organizers.

Have you seen an inspiring BIPOC LGBTQ artists in your community, or are you a creative who could use grant support? If so, we want to hear from you!

We are specifically seeking nominations for artists or creatives efforts who are:

• Based in the South.
• Black, Indigenous, or people of color (BIPOC).
• LGBTQ people.
• Funds can be used to support a wide range of artistic endeavors.
• Nominees are eligible to receive this grant even if they have received a previous Southern Equality Fund grant; however, priority will be given to nominees who have not yet received a grant.
• Anyone is welcome and encouraged to nominate an artist for a grant and artists may also nominate themselves.
• There are no grant reports, budgets or supplemental materials required in this process. However, if selected, applicants will have to fill out and return a W9 form to receive their funding.

This year the Asheville Area Arts Council is offering $500 micro-grants for arts-based projects specifically focused on community hope and healing. These can be projects that bring joy to our local community, and/or projects that actively engage community members in safe activities following state and local health restrictions.

Arts and culture are a fundamental part of our community. They help us connect with one another and better understand history, people, and new ideas. When people become involved in the design, creation, and upkeep of places, they develop a vested interest in using and maintaining these spaces. When neighbors have a true sense of “ownership” or connection to the places they frequent, the community becomes a better place to live, work, and visit. According to Americans for the Arts (AFTA), “86% of participants who took part in community-based art want to be involved in future projects, and people living where these art projects occurred were more than twice as likely to be civically engaged as those whose neighborhoods did not have projects.”

This year the Asheville Area Arts Council is offering $500 micro-grants for arts-based projects specifically focused on community hope and healing. These can be projects that bring joy to our local community, and/or projects that actively engage community members in safe activities following state and local health restrictions.

Arts and culture are a fundamental part of our community. They help us connect with one another and better understand history, people, and new ideas. When people become involved in the design, creation, and upkeep of places, they develop a vested interest in using and maintaining these spaces. When neighbors have a true sense of “ownership” or connection to the places they frequent, the community becomes a better place to live, work, and visit. According to Americans for the Arts (AFTA), “86% of participants who took part in community-based art want to be involved in future projects, and people living where these art projects occurred were more than twice as likely to be civically engaged as those whose neighborhoods did not have projects.”

The Southern Equality Studios special grant round is dedicated to resourcing and celebrating LGBTQ artists and creatives across the LGBTQ South who are BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, or people of color). Grants of up to $500 will support BIPOC LGBTQ Southern artists working on a wide range of creative projects.

These new grant rounds are part of CSE’s Southern Equality Fund, which has been making grassroots grants across the LGBTQ South since 2015. Since its inception, the Southern Equality Fund has prioritized supporting work led by BIPOC, transgender, and rural organizers.

Have you seen an inspiring BIPOC LGBTQ artists in your community, or are you a creative who could use grant support? If so, we want to hear from you!

We are specifically seeking nominations for artists or creatives efforts who are:

• Based in the South.
• Black, Indigenous, or people of color (BIPOC).
• LGBTQ people.
• Funds can be used to support a wide range of artistic endeavors.
• Nominees are eligible to receive this grant even if they have received a previous Southern Equality Fund grant; however, priority will be given to nominees who have not yet received a grant.
• Anyone is welcome and encouraged to nominate an artist for a grant and artists may also nominate themselves.
• There are no grant reports, budgets or supplemental materials required in this process. However, if selected, applicants will have to fill out and return a W9 form to receive their funding.

This year the Asheville Area Arts Council is offering $500 micro-grants for arts-based projects specifically focused on community hope and healing. These can be projects that bring joy to our local community, and/or projects that actively engage community members in safe activities following state and local health restrictions.

Arts and culture are a fundamental part of our community. They help us connect with one another and better understand history, people, and new ideas. When people become involved in the design, creation, and upkeep of places, they develop a vested interest in using and maintaining these spaces. When neighbors have a true sense of “ownership” or connection to the places they frequent, the community becomes a better place to live, work, and visit. According to Americans for the Arts (AFTA), “86% of participants who took part in community-based art want to be involved in future projects, and people living where these art projects occurred were more than twice as likely to be civically engaged as those whose neighborhoods did not have projects.”

This year the Asheville Area Arts Council is offering $500 micro-grants for arts-based projects specifically focused on community hope and healing. These can be projects that bring joy to our local community, and/or projects that actively engage community members in safe activities following state and local health restrictions.

Arts and culture are a fundamental part of our community. They help us connect with one another and better understand history, people, and new ideas. When people become involved in the design, creation, and upkeep of places, they develop a vested interest in using and maintaining these spaces. When neighbors have a true sense of “ownership” or connection to the places they frequent, the community becomes a better place to live, work, and visit. According to Americans for the Arts (AFTA), “86% of participants who took part in community-based art want to be involved in future projects, and people living where these art projects occurred were more than twice as likely to be civically engaged as those whose neighborhoods did not have projects.”

The Southern Equality Studios special grant round is dedicated to resourcing and celebrating LGBTQ artists and creatives across the LGBTQ South who are BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, or people of color). Grants of up to $500 will support BIPOC LGBTQ Southern artists working on a wide range of creative projects.

These new grant rounds are part of CSE’s Southern Equality Fund, which has been making grassroots grants across the LGBTQ South since 2015. Since its inception, the Southern Equality Fund has prioritized supporting work led by BIPOC, transgender, and rural organizers.

Have you seen an inspiring BIPOC LGBTQ artists in your community, or are you a creative who could use grant support? If so, we want to hear from you!

We are specifically seeking nominations for artists or creatives efforts who are:

• Based in the South.
• Black, Indigenous, or people of color (BIPOC).
• LGBTQ people.
• Funds can be used to support a wide range of artistic endeavors.
• Nominees are eligible to receive this grant even if they have received a previous Southern Equality Fund grant; however, priority will be given to nominees who have not yet received a grant.
• Anyone is welcome and encouraged to nominate an artist for a grant and artists may also nominate themselves.
• There are no grant reports, budgets or supplemental materials required in this process. However, if selected, applicants will have to fill out and return a W9 form to receive their funding.

This year the Asheville Area Arts Council is offering $500 micro-grants for arts-based projects specifically focused on community hope and healing. These can be projects that bring joy to our local community, and/or projects that actively engage community members in safe activities following state and local health restrictions.

Arts and culture are a fundamental part of our community. They help us connect with one another and better understand history, people, and new ideas. When people become involved in the design, creation, and upkeep of places, they develop a vested interest in using and maintaining these spaces. When neighbors have a true sense of “ownership” or connection to the places they frequent, the community becomes a better place to live, work, and visit. According to Americans for the Arts (AFTA), “86% of participants who took part in community-based art want to be involved in future projects, and people living where these art projects occurred were more than twice as likely to be civically engaged as those whose neighborhoods did not have projects.”

This year the Asheville Area Arts Council is offering $500 micro-grants for arts-based projects specifically focused on community hope and healing. These can be projects that bring joy to our local community, and/or projects that actively engage community members in safe activities following state and local health restrictions.

Arts and culture are a fundamental part of our community. They help us connect with one another and better understand history, people, and new ideas. When people become involved in the design, creation, and upkeep of places, they develop a vested interest in using and maintaining these spaces. When neighbors have a true sense of “ownership” or connection to the places they frequent, the community becomes a better place to live, work, and visit. According to Americans for the Arts (AFTA), “86% of participants who took part in community-based art want to be involved in future projects, and people living where these art projects occurred were more than twice as likely to be civically engaged as those whose neighborhoods did not have projects.”

The Southern Equality Studios special grant round is dedicated to resourcing and celebrating LGBTQ artists and creatives across the LGBTQ South who are BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, or people of color). Grants of up to $500 will support BIPOC LGBTQ Southern artists working on a wide range of creative projects.

These new grant rounds are part of CSE’s Southern Equality Fund, which has been making grassroots grants across the LGBTQ South since 2015. Since its inception, the Southern Equality Fund has prioritized supporting work led by BIPOC, transgender, and rural organizers.

Have you seen an inspiring BIPOC LGBTQ artists in your community, or are you a creative who could use grant support? If so, we want to hear from you!

We are specifically seeking nominations for artists or creatives efforts who are:

• Based in the South.
• Black, Indigenous, or people of color (BIPOC).
• LGBTQ people.
• Funds can be used to support a wide range of artistic endeavors.
• Nominees are eligible to receive this grant even if they have received a previous Southern Equality Fund grant; however, priority will be given to nominees who have not yet received a grant.
• Anyone is welcome and encouraged to nominate an artist for a grant and artists may also nominate themselves.
• There are no grant reports, budgets or supplemental materials required in this process. However, if selected, applicants will have to fill out and return a W9 form to receive their funding.