Fiscal Year: 2025

Nigerian-American singer-songwriter Rocky Peter brings his inspiring story and beautiful musicianship to Fairfield Arts & Convention Center and the rural community of Jefferson County, IA.

Three Artists of SPACE, a playwright, movement artist and director intend to work with the 50 year old Noble County Community Theater to conduct workshops and create a devised performance that addresses a local conflict/concern. The workshops will culminate in a final performance and talk back session. Workshop participants will gain the tools to create new community-centered work in the future.

Rooted in Rhythm is a dance performance project that explores how traditional West African dance styles have influenced contemporary Black dance in Detroit, especially the Jit. It features performances and training from artists, highlighting the cultural connections and shared rhythms between dance disciplines.

Lubeznik Center for the Arts (LCA) will provide three compelling hands-on workshops. A Long Walk Home, a national art organization that empowers young people to end violence against girls & women, will lead the creation of a Black Girlhood Altar. The other, with Chicago-based artist & educator Rhonda Wheatley, will help participants recognize, strengthen, & trust their intuitive abilities.

MOHAC will bring local artists to a residential youth psychiatric facility, providing activities designed to foster creativity, self-expression, and emotional healing for at-risk youth. This initiative will enhance the therapeutic environment, promote mental well-being, and offer a constructive outlet for the residents. A public art exhibit in the Matthews gallery will showcase some of their work.

The Point Theater, a youth theater for students between the ages of 4 and 18, plans to collaborate with a professional black set designer for two main stage shows, with set construction by Marian University theater students. This project provides practical experience for the college students and includes a workshop where the designer discusses his creative process with the youth actors.

Poets in their own words at indie bookstores; a Midwest Gig Trail that connects artists to community venues in a multi-beneficial way. the Poetics Lab will bring writers across state lines to workshop with & perform in front of audiences they usually wouldn't have access to due to financial strain & other barriers. We aim to lift writers & connect communities. Includes ASL & virtual accessibility.

Third Coast International Audio Festival (TCIAF) is seeking $4,000.00 to produce and screen an audio reel and an artist and curator panel in Chicago at the conclusion of our 2024-25 Third Coast Competition.

The Wieting Theatre is proud to bring Larry Yazzie to perform and inspire residents of his hometown with two energizing performances that will teach rich cultural traditions thru song and dance.

The Inner Harmony project is a series of visual art and movement meditation workshops for adults with mental and physical disabilities at Vista Center in Flint, Michigan. Participants work with two professional artists to explore artistic themes of inner harmony to transform responses into movement, and present a film performance that displays their visual art and movements with live piano music.