AURORA Artist Relief Fund.
Dallas-based AURORA, the public arts, technology and community organization, has announced a second round of artist relief grants offered to BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Color) artists in North Texas. Five grantees will share equally in a $20,000 relief fund ($4,000 to each selected grantee) supported by the PNC Foundation, a financial support organization that has aided non-profits since 2004. The funds are designed to alleviate the economic impacts of Covid-19 on area artists.
States Joshua King, co-founder of AURORA: “We are proud to be able to offer a second round of grants after a successful first round. AURORA is humbled to help offer these grants to artists in North Texas and we’re grateful to see our community stepping up to support the financial fall out that artists continue to experience at this time.”
Beyond the grant to awardees, AURORA will also establish a business wellness program to support North Texas BIPOC artists, post-COVID. As part of its mission the organization also hosts the AURORA Biennial exhibition, and an expanded AURORA program throughout the year.
Area 3, AURORA Dallas, for Covid times. Photo by Colette Copeland.
“The devastating financial hardships as a result of COVID-19 have been far reaching across North Texas, and our arts and culture economy has not been spared,” says Brendan McGuire, regional president for PNC in North Texas. “This industry drives significant quality of life benefits and accretive economic impact to our region. It’s important we seek opportunities to support local artists, arts organizations and artists of color during this time.”
The independent panel of jurors for the relief fund is made up partly of artists and art professionals representing the BIPOC artist community in North Texas, and includes Liliana Bloch, director and founder of Dallas’ Liliana Bloch Gallery; Sara Cardona, artist and Executive Artistic Director of Teatro Dallas; Viola Delgado, artist; Riley Holloway, artist; and Christian Vasquez, filmmaker.
Among the eligibility requirements: applicants should identify as Black, Indigenous, or a Person of Color, be a working visual artist with a sustained practice based in North Texas, and be able to produce proof of residence in one of the following counties: Dallas, Tarrant, Rockwall, Collin or Denton. For complete eligibility requirements and to submit an online application, please go here.
Application period is open from February 19-March 15, 2021.
