Arts and Culture Program
Supports racially equitable arts and culture projects in Washtenaw County, prioritizing BIPOC-led initiatives and community engagement.
Funder: Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation
Due Dates: May 8, 2026: Full application deadline for the Arts and Culture Program — applications due by 5:00 PM EST
Funding Amounts: Up to $15,000 per grant; approximately $120,000 available in total; one application per organization.
Summary: Supports racially equitable arts and culture projects in Washtenaw County, prioritizing BIPOC-led initiatives and community engagement.
Key Information: Projects must serve or be based in Washtenaw County and center racial equity in the arts.
Description
The Arts and Culture Program from the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation (AAACF) invests in strengthening arts and culture throughout Washtenaw County, Michigan, with a focus on racial equity. The program is designed to support community-based projects that center racial equity in the arts and prioritize engagement and collaboration with Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities. Funding is available for both new and existing initiatives, including:
- Community-driven art programs and organizations engaging BIPOC communities
- Arts organizations led by BIPOC leaders
- Support for individual BIPOC artists (mentorship, professional development, entrepreneurship)
- Advancing equity in arts education
- Arts-based entrepreneurship as economic development
- Expanding digital capacity to improve access and engagement with BIPOC communities
- Vocational training in the arts for historically marginalized groups
The program aims to activate and uplift the artistic and cultural identities of all residents, ensuring equitable access to arts and culture for everyone in the county.
