Creative Equations fund
The Creative Equations Fund (CEF) is an investment strategy dedicated to arts for social justice. Inspired by artists’ work, peer-funded models, as well as a grassroots legacy of intersectional community empowerment, this initiative is driven by our values around justice, equity, and sustainability.
About this Grant
The Creative Equations Fund (CEF) is BAC’s latest regranting initiative dedicated to supporting Brooklyn’s creatives and cultural ecosystem with a focused investment strategy for creatives dedicated to arts for social justice. This program supports community-engaged artists, arts organizations, cultural entrepreneurs, and researchers who have dedicated their creativity to solving social problems. Grant awards are up to $15,000 each.
With support from the Howard Gilman Foundation and The Mertz Gilmore Foundation two (2) funding streams are currently offered:
Justice, Equity, Sustainability + Performing Arts
Cultural Heritage, Diversity + Dance
In 2024, $425,000 in funding was distributed to 39 Grantees through CEF.
GRANTEE HIGHLIGHTS
Vong Pak. Photo by Kana Motojima.
Vong Pak
Cultural Heritage & Diversity + Dance | 2024
Experience the captivating rhythms and graceful movements of "Dance in the Three Generations of Korean Immigrants," a traditional Korean dance brought to life by a talented Korean-American, Ms. Yusun Kang’s family. Immerse yourself in the vibrant tapestry of their cultural heritage as they showcase generations of tradition and innovation. Through live music and dynamic choreography, this enchanting performance reveals the evolution and adaptation of Korean dance within each generation of immigrants.
Melinda Gonzalez
Melinda Gonzalez
Cultural Heritage & Diversity + Dance | 2023
“Hablando Bomba: HerStories Oral History Project” is an artistic tribute to three Afro Puerto Rican women in New York who are tradition bearers of Bomba, a music and dance tradition developed by enslaved Africans in Puerto Rico many centuries ago. This project centers the voices and experiences of elders whose dedication has elevated bomba in NYC and beyond. The project will include oral history recordings, a video montage, and a celebration/public event.
Photo by Redhawk Staff.
Redhawk Native American Arts Council
Justice, Equity, & Sustainability + Performing Arts | 2022
With CEF funding, Redhawk's staff and board created programs to inspire Native artists, while also building a connection to the Brooklyn community they serve. Funds allowed Redhawk to expand virtual programming to connect and learn from Native peoples from across the country so that they can dialog and discuss the issues of justice, equity, sustainability, and cultural appropriation. CEF funding also assisted in the expansion of Redhawk’s Earth Day Celebration in Sunset Park.
Apply Now
Our 2025 Grants Cycle is now closed.
Please review these application guidelines thoroughly before beginning your application to make sure you are eligible. Submit online, via Submittable, by clicking the link below.
GUIDELINES
The guidelines below apply to the Creative Equations Fund. Refer to each specific grant track for funding priorities and additional restrictions.
Info Sessions
Join us for a Info Session where we’ll give you tips on how to write a successful proposal. We highly recommend that you attend.
BECOME A GRANT PANELISt
2025 Panelist Nominations are now closed.
Want to become involved with Brooklyn Arts Council's grantmaking efforts? We welcome you to become a panelist for our upcoming cycle of grant applications.
QUESTIONS?
Is your question missing from our F.A.Q. page? Contact our grants department at GRANTS@BROOKLYNARTSCOUNCIL.ORG.