The Black Arts Fund is a new grant program committed to supporting the creative expression and artistic production of Black students at Occidental. In Spring 2020, Occidental College senior Darla Howell ‘20 was granted funds by Oxy Arts to produce a documentary about life for Black students at Occidental College. The process inspired her to initiate a fund dedicated to supporting creative projects for Black students.

The fund is now accepting applications for the 2020/21 academic year. Proposals are due Friday October 30, 2020 and will be reviewed by a team from the BSA, Oxy Arts and ICC. Five proposals will be selected. Selected applicants will be notified by Monday, November 9, 2020.

The Black Arts Fund is an opportunity for Black-identifying students at Oxy to curate and produce their own art project, workshop, or event. The location and nature of the work is up to you (music, performance, community organizing, workshop, etc.) Selected applicants will meet regularly with the BAF review team to check in about their project. Final projects must be publicly presented by May 15, 2021.

Priority will be given to projects that:
- Do not have other funding sources / support
- Engage in socially relevant discourse through the production of the project
- Contribute to dialogue in the Oxy community
- Will contribute to your growth as an artist

We look forward to hearing your innovative ideas!
Questions? Email oxyarts@oxy.edu