Knight Foundation’s Post

Knight’s staff heard insights from leaders in philanthropy, activism and community work in support of the LGBTQ+ community during an educational session at our Miami headquarters as part of Knight’s DEI programming around Pride Month.  Rich Ferraro of GLAAD shared research findings that show the lack of coverage of LGBTQ+ issues in local media in the U.S. South–emphasizing that there were only 23 substantive stories about HIV out of the 1,300 stories analyzed over 18 months (2019 – 2020) across nine Southern states.   DeMarcus Beckham, co-founder of Macon Pride and senior regional organizer for the Human Rights Campaign in Georgia, spoke about the evolution of the LGBTQ+ rights in Georgia since the eighties, sharing that Macon Pride has found partners across the community, from faith groups to youth groups and the local sheriff’s department, who are all working together to foster a safe space for LGBTQ+ people. Mateo A. Ventura Bruer, Aqua Foundation for Women and Lindsey Linzer, The Miami Foundation, spoke about their experiences serving the LGBTQ+ community in Florida. Ventura Bruer said Aqua has seen an uptick in LGBTQ+ people who are seeking support to leave the state. Linzer shared how the foundation’s LGBTQ+ Equity Fund addresses the shifting needs of Florida’s LGBTQ+ community, like their recent round of grants which expand support for LGBTQIA+ youth who experience homelessness in Miami-Dade.

Technology and algorithms increasingly mediate our relationship to information, ideas and each other. We are only beginning to grasp the magnitude of both the challenges and opportunities. For these reasons, Knight Foundation has now committed more than $100 million to support independent research and nonpartisan policy insight to promote a more informed public dialogue. In a comprehensive report, journalist Issie Lapowsky examines how research can inform action—impacting how we engage with technology and harness its potential for the common good.

The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation is inviting Akron, Detroit, and South Florida’s arts practitioners to apply for funding for innovative new works that use technology to enhance the way art is created, experienced and shared. Knight New Work was created to further digital transformation in the arts, recognizing that technology spurs the development of new modes of expression through the creation of works that immerse and reach new audiences. To catalyze inspired and engaging new works of art, Knight welcomes artists, collectives and arts organizations, who are based in Akron, Detroit, or South Florida or have direct ties to the cities to apply. Proposed works must incorporate technology and premiere in Akron, Detroit, or South Florida. Applications will open on June 14 and close on July 12, 2024 and will be reviewed by a national panel of artists, practitioners and Knight Foundation staff. Knight will be hosting information sessions and office hours to allow prospective applicants to ask questions and learn more about this opportunity. Learn more: https://kf.org/4aHyMFK