AAACC’s programs are designed to address the current State of the Black Arts in San Francisco by strengthening the ability of Black creatives to create, teach, present and promote their work. With the goal of creating a sustainable Black arts community, AAACC focuses on the creative, economic and health needs of Black creatives.
Grants Program
The Ubuntu Resource Program invests in Black artists, creatives, and community members to participate in one of the African American Art & Culture Complex’s (AAACC) Creative Development Cohorts. Through an application and approval process, selected individuals participate in cohort learning experiences, incubator opportunities, and receive guidance on the development of an artistic project.
The Ubuntu Resource Program invests in Black artists, creatives, and community members in two ways:
1) Quick Grants provide funds to engage in activities of self-defined self-care.
2) Creative Development Cohorts provide cohort learning experiences, incubator opportunities, and guidance on the development of an artistic project.
Funds for Building Wellness – Quick Grants:AAACC believes in disrupting cycles of wellness disparities and provides funds to engage in activities of self-defined self-care. The long-term goal of this funding opportunity is to create sustainable communities for artistic expression and cultural production by supporting cultural practitioners with support to fund their personal regenerative practices.
Applicants may apply to ONE of the following funding areas:
- Self-Care ($300)
- Learning Opportunities ($500)
- Creative Project ($2000)
Funds may be used for workshops and classes, child care, respite support for caretakers, therapy, massage, spa treatments, space reset or declutter, or any costs related to giving/creating space, or to develop a creative project.
Funds may also be used for other programs or services not listed that the awardee deems as radical self-care.
Radical Self-Care Quick Grants Eligibility Requirements:
- Individuals who live, personally identify and/or define themselves as African, African American, Afro Latino, Afro Diasporic or a member of the Black Community.
- Individuals working as Artists, Creatives, Entrepreneurs, Cultural Practitioners, Cultural Producers, and Nonprofit Arts Organization Staff.
- A resident of the City and County of San Francisco.
- Individuals 18 years or older at the time of the application deadline.
- No conflict of interest (family or financial relationship) with the board of directors, staff, or directors of the African American Art & Culture Complex.
Quick Grant applicants may also apply for a Creative Development Cohort Grant.
Activity must be completed within 6 months of receiving funds, if selected.
Deadline: April 16 at 11:59pm Pacific (PT)
Creative Development Cohorts:
AAACC offers three creative development cohorts for artists and creatives in the following categories:
- Enterprising Creatives – led by Helen Branham
Helen Branham is an esteemed community economic development and small business management professional of 20+ years, with expertise in supporting African American and women of color entrepreneurs.The Enterprising Creatives Cohort led by Helen is designed to encourage Enterprising artists and non-artist to a rapid review and re-evaluation of their original vision for themselves as creatives.
- Enterprising Creative Seniors – led by Tracy Brown
Tracy Brown, MA (Arts Politics) – Is an Independent Curator, Artivist, educator, sculptor, installation artist, photographer, public presenter and guest lecturer.The Enterprising Creative Seniors program, led by Tracy is designed to provide support to elder artists (over the age of 60) who have worked in the San Francisco Bay Area and have contributed to the rich Black Arts Landscape. The program will provide participants with the training, information and direct instruction on the tools they need to thrive in the modern creative industry as well as tech tools to support their efforts. - Black Cannabis Creatives & Vendors (non-plant touching) – led by Jeanette Wright
Jeanette Wright is a native of San Francisco, a health promoter, community organizer and social equity advocate with degrees in Biotechnology and Public health from CCSF & SFSU. Jeanette also earned certificates in Horticulture and Business of Cannabis from Oaksterdam University in Oakland.The Black Cannabis Creatives & Vendors Cohort led by Jeanette Wright will allow the attendees to learn about the history, politics, science, cultural impact and current policies of cannabis and its social impact to many communities of color.
Creative Development Cohort Eligibility Requirements:
- Individuals who live, personally identify and/or define themselves as African, African American, Afro Latino, Afro Diasporic or a member of the Black Community.
- Applicants applying for the Cannabis Cohort: Must reside in the City and County of San Francisco.
- Applicants applying for the Enterprising Creatives/Creative Seniors Cohort: Must reside in the City and County of San Francisco.
- Individuals working as Artists, Creatives, Entrepreneurs, Cultural Practitioners, Cultural Producers, and Nonprofit Arts Organization Staff.
- Must have performed or presented artistic work in a public context—including online/digital platforms—within the last three years.
- Must propose new artwork/event not previously produced/displayed in a public setting.
- Must be 18 years or older at the time of the application deadline.
- Cannot have a conflict of interest (family or financial relationship) with the board of directors, staff, or directors of the African American Art & Culture Complex.
- Applicants selected to participate in a 2022 Creative Development Cohort are ineligible to apply in 2023.
Creative Development Cohort applicants may also apply for Quick Grants.
If you were selected to participate in a 2022 Creative Development Cohort you are ineligible to apply in 2023.
Click Here To Apply For A Quick Grant
Click Here to Apply For A Creative Development Cohort Grant
Deadline: April 16 at 11:59pm Pacific (PT)
Have questions about the Ubuntu Resource Program funding opportunities? Check out these resources:
- FAQ page
- Attend a live Q&A Session on via ZOOM
- 4/6 at 6 PM – https://bit.ly/3KmNLeq
- 4/13 at 1 PM – https://bit.ly/3nxlZTn
Watch a recorded Information webinar here.
Verbal Application Submission
An extremely limited number of appointments are available for those who may be working to become more comfortable with technology. Please email [email protected] for more information or to book an appointment.
Seminars & Presentations
AAACC hosts educational seminars virtually and on-site throughout the year to showcase the work of local Black creatives. This includes documentary films, music history discussions, and movement lessons. Sign up for our newsletter to receive announcements when new seminars and presentations become available.
Solidarity Programs
AAACC hosts and participates in collaborative artistic programs and activities that promote culture, diversity and equality. AAACC Co-Executive Directors Melonie Green and Melorra Green were voted 2021 Community Grand Marshals for San Francisco Pride. They are currently curating a gallery for the Chinese Historical Society of America’s upcoming exhibit, We Are Bruce Lee: Under the Sky, One Family. AAACC has also participated with and supported the neighboring Japantown community in the Western Addition and is currently planning programs with Japantown For Justice. If you are interested in collaborating on programs with Black creatives, contact us.
AAACC’s programs are made possible by major supporters and funding from the Dream Keeper Initiative (DKI), a 2021-22 citywide effort to reinvest $120 million from law enforcement into San Francisco’s Black and African American community. AAACC oversees $2 million+ designated for arts and culture. DKI is part of Mayor London Breed’s roadmap for reforming public safety and addressing structural inequities in San Francisco.