The BIPOC Art Network and Fund (BANF), a Houston-based nonprofit, has announced its $400,000 investment in 16 local arts organizations through its Cultural Treasure Accelerator initiative.
In a press release, Sixto Wagan, Executive Director of BANF, said, “This Accelerator initiative is the latest strategy to resource organizations dedicated to building a stronger arts ecosystem, especially one that celebrates Greater Houston’s diverse cultural histories. The year-long peer network experience will uplift their capacity to connect to audiences and community leaders and to catalyze asset-based, cross-sector resources that support each organization’s path to their self-defined future.”
BANF Cultural Treasure Accelerator Awardees
The awardees will each receive a $25,000 grant and a 12-month peer network experience that aims to build resilience and stability. The selected organizations are Art in the Heart, Black Arts Movement (BAM), Dance Afrikana, Diaz Music Institute, Filipino Young Professionals of Houston, Galveston Heritage Chorale, Houston Freedmen’s Town Conservancy, Houston Latino Film Festival, Islamic Arts Society, Jazz Houston, SAID Institute, Segundo Barrio Children’s Chorus, Social Movement Contemporary Dance Theater, Texas Salsa Congress, The Nigerian-American Multicultural Council (NAMC), and Write About Now Poetry.
Art in the Heart
The Cultural Treasure Accelerator is the latest initiative by BANF, which has channeled more than $10 million to BIPOC organizations, artists, and creatives in the Greater Houston area through programs like the Houston Cultural Treasures, Artist Awards, and Crisis Relief Grants.
