Race Forward and Americans for the Arts (AFTA) are excited to announce that we’ll be launching a Cultural Week of Action on Race and Democracy this fall! The week of action will take place from September 27 – October 5, 2024 in communities across the country. 

This new initiative leverages arts, culture, and creativity to elevate the need for a just, multiracial democracy. As attacks on racial equity and democracy continue to grow locally and globally, now is the time for bold action that inspires new ways of thinking. 

The components of the Cultural Week of Action on Race and Democracy include:

• A week of events and activities that bring together local arts and culture institutions and community-based organizations to explore our history, how it shapes our present, and how everyday people are organizing to build an equitable and racially just future.
• A national event with cultural performers, leaders, and artists to explore ways to use arts and culture to advance the multiracial democracy we’re trying to build. The event will also amplify the local work happening in communities across the country throughout the week of action.
• Seeding and popularizing narratives that tie together the local activities into one comprehensive story about who we want to be as a country and how we get there.
• Concrete actions that individuals across the country can take both locally and nationally.

Race Forward and AFTA are seeking proposals from local organizations—local government institutions, local arts agencies, community-based arts organizations, and/or racial justice organizations—that want to participate in this exciting initiative. Through a competitive process, 12-15 local communities that represent the diversity of our country will receive $25,000-$40,000 for cultural organizers and community partners to design and implement projects. Participation in the Cultural Week of Action on Race and Democracy will also be encouraged and open to organizations not requesting funding. 

This is an opportunity to deepen commitments to racial justice and inclusive democracy through cultural activities. Want to learn more? Check out our website to get a better understanding of why we’re launching this initiative at this political moment, what the theme of the week of action is, and how you can participate and apply for funding. Questions? Email us at [email protected]. 

We’re excited about this opportunity and can’t wait to partner with local communities across the country to make it a reality.

In Solidarity,
Race Forward + Americans for the Arts