Race Forward and Americans for the Arts (AFTA) are excited about our upcoming 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. 

We invite local organizations—local government institutions, local arts agencies, community-based arts organizations, and/or racial justice organizations—to participate with us by submitting your proposal by March 29, 2024.

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.

Project proposals must be able to answer the following:

1. How does this project align with the theme of the Cultural Week of Action, Building the Bigger We?
2. What actions will this project advance to address a specific local challenge related to race and democracy? What would success look like?
3. How will this project advance racial justice in your community?
4. Does this project align with work already underway in your community?
5. Will there be any creative outcome (e.g., mural, billboard, piece of art, etc.) associated with the project? If not, how do you envision documentation of the activity to maximize impact over the longer term?

Be sure to submit your proposal by Friday, March 29. Applicants will receive an update in early May and a public announcement for the sponsored projects is planned for June.

If you have any questions or need support in developing your proposal, please reach out to us anytime at [email protected]!

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. 

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

In Solidarity,
Race Forward + Americans for the Arts