Equitable Access Arts & Culture Program

Equitable Access Arts & Culture Program

Americans for the Arts recognizes that “many existing systems of power grant privilege and access unequally, and that equity is crucial to the long-term viability of both the arts and culture sector and communities-at-large.” While local organization data provides insight into access issues for specific communities, there are few data indicators to understand equitable access2 to arts and culture throughout Hawaiʻi, including the best solutions and leverage points to achieve equitable access.

By investing in and strengthening the data capacities of Arts & Culture nonprofits, while providing opportunities for networking, we will have better shared information and understanding to address equitable access to Arts & Culture in Hawaiʻi.

Through this Funding Opportunity, Hawai‘i Community Foundation (HCF) will award 2-year general operating support grants up to $60,000 ($30,000 per year) to Arts & Culture nonprofit organizations that currently utilize data and other information to understand access barriers and opportunities, have existing strategies and programs targeted to addressing equitable access to opportunities to practice and participate in Arts & Culture, and utilize evaluation to assess the organization’s impact in addressing equitable access.

Grantees of this Funding Opportunity will be part of a “community of support” network. Through shared learning, the network will define the problem of equitable access for specific communities, islands, and across the state; generate ideas and solutions; and refine strategies to advance equitable access. The network’s shared learning will be a resource to the Arts & Culture sector and support more equitable access to opportunities to practice and participate in Arts & Culture.

Eligibility

_You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website._

• Applicant must be a nonprofit organization with 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status and must provide services in Hawai‘i.
• To be eligible for this Funding Opportunity, applicants must align with at least 1 of these characteristics:
  • Arts organization on Kaua‘i
  • Community Arts Center on Neighbor Islands
  • A Community Arts Center is defined as a physical place/center that brings together community to provide a diverse range of arts education classes and experiences reflecting the values, concerns, and meaning of living in that community.
  • Organization perpetuating Native Hawaiian knowledge and supporting the development of cultural practitioners
  • Professional orchestra or opera focused on classical music in Hawai‘i, or non-professional orchestra performing symphonic music on O‘ahu
  • Public art focused on uplifting local people and places
  • Public art is defined as art that is created for the general public and is visible in a public space.
  • It can include a variety of forms, scales, and sizes.
  • The focus of this area is on public art that connects with local community to interpret the history/experience of local people and places.
  • Theater Arts on O‘ahu including drama education
• A nonprofit may submit only one application for its organization.

Ineligibility

• Schools are not eligible to apply.
• Organizations with any past due HCF final reports are not eligible to apply.
• Grant funds may not be used for:
  • re-granting (i.e., redistribution of these funds to other organizations or individuals)
  • endowments
  • for the benefit of specific individuals
  • major capital improvements including capital campaigns, construction or renovations
  • minor capital improvements required to implement programs are allowable
  • activities that promote religious beliefs