ATLANTA, GA, October 20, 2023 – National Black Arts Festival (NBAF) was awarded a $20,000 grant by Bank of America to support their Artist Project Fund initiative, a grant and artistic development program for Metro Atlanta artists seeking capital to complete an ongoing project. The NBAF Artist Project Fund impacts 20 professional artists over a 6-month period, and provides immersive artistic and career development experiences to help each participant grow as creative entrepreneurs.
“Our partnership with the National Black Arts Festival is part of our commitment to help communities thrive and create a greater cultural understanding,” said Al McRae, president, Bank of America Atlanta. The bank has consistently worked with NBAF and other nonprofit partners and local organizations across Atlanta to help drive economic mobility for vulnerable populations.
“We know that artists can be particularly compromised by constantly changing economic landscapes,” said Stephanie Owens, Executive Director of NBAF. “With this grant from Bank of America, NBAF is able to continue to be a lifeline to emerging artists, and offer financial support to ensure their careers are not only viable but thriving.”2023 Artist Project Fund recipient and College Park Georgia based artist Dri Jack recently remarked how
critical NBAF’s support has been to continuing her singing career. “I was very blessed and grateful to be able to receive the funds. After having my son, I didn’t have any performances coming up so to have that money sent to me in order to support my dreams, and what I wanted to work on was a breath of fresh air. It’s incredible to have this foundation support me.”
The conclusion of the 2023 cohort in December will mark three years of the Artist Project Fund’s existence, with NBAF issuing over $150,000.00 in grants to fund artists’ projects. The Bank of America grant will be utilized to support the 2024 program, and the application period officially opens in January. For more information on the Artist Project Fund or other NBAF programs, visit https://nbaf.org/artist-project-fund/.
About NBAF
NBAF (National Black Arts Festival) is recognized as the oldest multidisciplinary nonprofit arts organization in the US focused exclusively on the arts and on artists of African descent. Through its annual public and youth arts education programs, NBAF offers local, national, and international audiences experiences that are extraordinary and enriching.
