This post has been a long time coming and "thrilled" doesn't even begin to describe it. The Black Library will officially be operating as an independent nonprofit on July 1st, and here's why that's a big deal:
I have worked with many great artists and great nonprofits over the years. But by far the greatest, in terms of impact and energy, has been The Black Library in Monticello, New York. They've created a library and community art space right in the urban center of our rural county that has, almost overnight, exploded in local prominence and visibility.
They've been able to do that by filling obvious gaps: so many talented artists of color and few spaces for them to make and show art; so many high school kids on the streets after school but no comfortable space to go hang out; so much public talk about Black history but no meaningful Black history curricula in local schools. No critique intended on others in our community also working to fill these gaps; we need many solutions. But judging by how popular it has become, TBL has the right mix of characteristics to meet the needs of our communities through arts and culture. Their events are bursting at the seams.
But right now is a vulnerable moment for them. Original funding for the project came from the very wonderful Creatives Rebuild New York grant. In just a few weeks, this funding ends and they will have to stand on their own with no one major funder championing the effort.
Funding dynamics in rural communities like ours are complicated. Crowdfunding and local donors just don't provide enough support. TBL has plenty of donors, but its almost all small donations. They need a big foundation (or two or three) to see the significance of the project, recognize that the lessons learned here can be applied throughout the US in our most challenged communities, and invest.
Know anyone who works in philanthropy and cares about how arts & culture can make a big impact on racial justice, community cohesion, and youth empowerment? If you do, please share this post and the website link below. Contact me if you have any questions about the project or want to be put in touch with the directors.
https://lnkd.in/eZcE5H6v
Bella Desai Sarah Calderon Ethan Joseph Saul Ostrow Imani Brown Ari Mir-Pontier Eliza Evans Sheetal Prajapati Sara Reisman Lilly W. Megan Steinman Thomas Lax Anna Conlan
Principal at Worthview Capital
6moThis is great ! Way to go Paige Bigham !