The oldest multi-disciplinary Black arts nonprofit in the US gains resources to digitize its extensive archive.
ATLANTA, GA, January 14, 2025 - NBAF is proud to announce that it has been selected to join the Bloomberg Philanthropies Digital Accelerator Program. This initiative helps cultural organizations across the U.S. and U.K. to strengthen technology and management practices to improve operations, drive revenue, increase fundraising, engage broader audiences, and deliver dynamic programming.
"I initially spearheaded NBAF’s application for the Bloomberg Digital Archive grant because there is a critical need to preserve the stories, art, and culture of the thousands of multi-disciplinary African American artists that NBAF has had the honor of supporting and presenting throughout our 38 year history,” says Stephanie Owens, NBAF’s Executive Director.
“As a recipient of this grant, NBAF will now have crucial resources to digitize and archive our extensive collection of art, performances, and historical records, making them accessible to a global audience. With this support, we will ensure that NBAF’s legacy as a pioneering force in the celebration of Black artists is preserved for future generations of creators, scholars, and art enthusiasts. This is a pivotal step in our commitment to ensuring that the rich history and impact of Black art continues to inspire and educate for decades to come."
Over the past three years, the Digital Accelerator Program has been a catalyst for strengthening nearly 150 cultural organizations across the U.S. and U.K. To date, the 40 institutions that were part of the first cohort cumulatively grew an additional $20 million in new revenue, reached over 1 million new audience members, and engaged more than 4,000 new artists and partners.
For more information about the NBAF, please visit https://nbaf.org
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.
ABOUT BLOOMBERG PHILANTHROPIES:
Bloomberg Philanthropies invests in 700 cities and 150 countries around the world to ensure better, longer lives for the greatest number of people. The organization focuses on creating lasting change in five key areas: the Arts, Education, Environment, Government Innovation, and Public Health. Bloomberg Philanthropies encompasses all of Michael R. Bloomberg’s giving, including his foundation, corporate, and personal philanthropy as well as Bloomberg Associates, a philanthropic consultancy that advises cities around the world. In 2023, Bloomberg Philanthropies distributed $3 billion. For more information, please visit bloomberg.org, sign up for their newsletter, or follow them on Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, Threads, Facebook, and X.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Oronike Odeleye, NBAF, press@nbaf.org, (404) 730-7315