Foundation for Louisiana Announces World Makers Grant to Support Louisiana’s Visionary Artists, Culture-Bearers, and Cultural Workers

The Foundation for Louisiana (FFL) proudly introduces the launch of the World Makers Grant, a transformative initiative designed to resource Louisiana artists, culture-bearers, and cultural workers in their efforts to create new realities and sustain their communities through visionary art and cultural practices.

In recognition of Louisiana's rich history of resilience and innovation in the face of adversity, from the adaptive strategies of Indigenous communities to the emergence of social aid and pleasure clubs, FFL is committed to nurturing the state's creative spirit. The World Makers Grant aims to support 35-40 artists, cultural workers, and culture-bearers who are dedicated to envisioning and crafting new worlds for Louisiana, with a particular emphasis on addressing critical issues such as climate change, mass incarceration, racial healing, gender justice, and democracy and political participation.

“Through the World Makers Grant, we are not just funding artists; we are investing in the soul of Louisiana. Our goal is to nurture a community of creatives who can dream and construct new realities, reflecting the resilience and diversity of our state,” says Charmel Gaulden, CEO & President of Foundation for Louisiana. “By supporting these visionary individuals, we are laying the groundwork for a future that honors our rich history while forging paths toward innovative and inclusive horizons."

Grant Details:

• Amount: $5,000 to $10,000 per award
• Term: 12 months
• Period: July 1, 2024 - June 30, 2025
• Eligibility: Open to Louisiana artists and cultural workers with a focus on people of the global majority and those with deep roots in the state. Special consideration will be given to elders, youth, trans artists, and culture-bearers.
• Applications must be received by Monday, March 4, 2024 at 9 AM CST

The grants are unrestricted, allowing recipients to allocate funds towards creative projects or personal and living expenses, facilitating their ability to remain active within their communities. FFL encourages applications from a broad spectrum of artistic and cultural expressions, including theater, music, dance, visual art, performance, culinary traditions, and more. The initiative is particularly interested in uplifting Louisiana-specific cultural practices, such as Indigenous and Native American traditions, Black Masking Indian Traditions, and the state's diverse musical heritage.

The World Makers Grant aims to enrich and elevate Louisiana's cultural landscape. At its core, the initiative seeks to sustain and illuminate the indispensable work of artists and culture-bearers, thus enabling the creation of alternative worlds that reflect its people’s diverse experiences and histories. This grant aims to bolster financial support for artists typically not supported by traditional philanthropy by recognizing the unique challenges and perspectives they bring to their creative endeavors.

With a commitment to flexibility, the grant offers funding that can adapt to the varied needs of artists, supporting projects at any stage of development as well as the personal and living expenses that allow artists to thrive in their communities. Moreover, it strives to encourage artistic and cultural work that engages with and addresses some of the state's most urgent issues, fostering a dialogue that promotes understanding and action. In celebrating and honoring Louisiana's rich cultural traditions, the World Makers Grant also aims to broaden the Foundation’s engagement with artistic and cultural practices across the state, ensuring that these traditions continue to flourish and inspire future generations.

FFL invites artists and cultural workers who embody the spirit of innovation and community engagement to apply for the World Makers Grant. Applicants should demonstrate a solid commitment to their craft and a vision for how their work contributes to the creation of new worlds within Louisiana.

For more information on eligibility and application guidelines and to apply, please click the button below.