Ifetayo Cultural Arts Academy launched the Araminta Space Grant Initiative in celebration of its 35th-anniversary celebration.
The initiative, named after abolitionist Harriet Tubman, born Araminta Ross, is in partnership with Dance/NYC, and aims to provide a creative sanctuary for artists and cultural entrepreneurs, helping them achieve artistic and financial independence, according to a press release.
The Araminta Space Grant Initiative will invest over $60,000 annually into Brooklyn's local creative economy, addressing the challenges posed by gentrification. Inspired by historical safe spaces like Brazil's Quilombos and the Underground Railroad, the program seeks to offer artists security and stability in their creative pursuits.
"As a trailblazing anchor organization in Brooklyn, Ifetayo understands that sustainability for cultural arts education requires sustainability for cultural artists," said Desirée Gordon, Ifetayo’s executive director. "Our space grant initiative advances our mission to drive economic access and equity."
In collaboration with Dance/NYC, the initiative will provide space grants to local artists, allowing them to incubate their work in Ifetayo's studios. Candace Thompson-Zachery, co-executive director of Dance/NYC, emphasized the importance of access to affordable space, noting that the partnership creates vital opportunities for small-budget and BIPOC artists.
The first recipients of the Araminta Space Grant include Maria Bauman, Artistic Director of MBDance, who will develop her work and lead a workshop on reproductive wellness, and Yahoteh Kokayi, founder of BK Music Learning, who will use the grant to build his educational company.
Ifetayo’s Araminta Space Grant Initiative is part of a broader series of projects unveiled during its anniversary celebrations, underscoring its commitment to arts, education and community empowerment.
