Black Artist Empowerment Grant

Black Artist Empowerment Grant is sponsored by Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council (funded by the Pittsburgh Foundation). This opportunity supports mission-aligned projects and measurable outcomes.

Black Artist Empowerment Grant to Recognize Black Artists and Creatives in Allegheny County | Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council Black Artist Empowerment Grant to Recognize Black Artists and Creatives in Allegheny County Pittsburgh-based artists Michael Carroll, Ashanté Josey, and Kahlil Darden have created the Black Artist Empowerment Grant for Black artists and creatives living and working in Allegheny County // Photos by Dymond Jewell, Ishara Henry, and Jay White Ashanté Josey, Michael Carroll, and Kahlil Darden are all former members of the Black Arts Action Committee, a former initiative of the Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council.

Together, they are pleased to announce the Black Artist Empowerment Grant. This one-time grant program, which utilizes funds awarded to the Arts Council from the Pittsburgh Foundation, is designed to provide financial resources to support professional growth and creative exploration of Black artists and creatives in Allegheny County.

Through these resources, Ashanté, Michael, and Kahlil aim to empower Black artists and creatives to expand or continue their creative work in the region. Additionally, they see this grant program as an opportunity to amplify the presence and recognition of Black art and culture in Greater Pittsburgh.

“In our mission to serve and support Black creatives in Allegheny County, we have come to understand that now, more than ever, there is a vital need for education, collaboration, and investment—not only to uplift African American creatives but also to drive meaningful and diverse economic development across the county,” Ashanté, Michael, and Kahlil share in a group statement.

The Black Artist Empowerment Grant will award 15 individual grants in the amount of $500 each to Black artists and creatives living and working in Allegheny County. Artists and creatives may work in any discipline or medium. To generate candidates for grant awards, the hosting committee is utilizing a nomination process.

Those interested in nominating a Black artist or creative must submit their nomination through a Google form and include: Artist’s Contact Information (email and/or phone number). A brief description about the artist’s creative discipline and an overview of their body of work. Insights into how the artist contributes to Allegheny County’s creative and cultural landscape.

The nominator’s reason for nominating this artist. Individuals are asked to submit their nominations to one artist or creative, and all nominations are due no later than 11:59 p. m.

on Friday, January 31. Grant awards will be announced in mid-February, with funds promptly distributed thereafter. Funds will be distributed by the Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council.

“We are deeply grateful for the progress we’ve made alongside the Arts Council as the Black Arts Action Committee,” Ashanté, Michael, and Kahlil continue. “As we sunset the BAAC, we want to leave an impact on the arts community we were built to serve. As individuals, our work is not done, and we will continue to make conscious efforts to support and uplift the Black arts community.

We would also like to extend our heartfelt thanks to The Pittsburgh Foundation for their invaluable support. ” For more information, or questions about the grant, please contact Ashanté Josey at ajoseyart@gmail. com .

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