Jury perspectives on the 2024 Impact Grantees
The Supporting Act Foundation
From platforming marginalized voices to transforming the lives of disadvantaged communities, the organizations selected by the 2024 Impact Grant jury are paving creative paths, showing how the arts can make a major impact on society.
Below, we’ve pulled together the jury’s statements about each organization. You can read more about who they are here.
“AfroDiaspora 2.0 is a community organization that creates spaces for Black women* seeking connection and safety in a challenging social and political environment of Munich, Germany. Their programming supports emerging artists who tackle issues of racism, sexism, and queer hostility, as well as community building events that reflect the needs of their network. Afrodiaspora 2.0 is a perfect example of a community project that is by and for Black women* in a country and time of increasing hostility to BIPOC people worldwide. We are so happy to be able to support them so that their work is better compensated and this important work can continue.”
“Black Girls Glow brings visibility to women's and non-binary experience and counters patriarchal narratives through the power of music and free artistic expression. Working with women and girls to produce work that advocates for sexual health, exploring pressing issues facing these communities, and to develop a trusting and supportive creative environment that empowers them to build an artistic profession. Based in Accra, Ghana, Black Girls Glow is activating art for social and political change. This jury was so moved by their beautiful community work and the mission of this essential organisation.”
"Bosla Arts’ work reflects the power of art-activism, telling stories about artists and sharing their work as emblems of free expression. Through art residencies, a magazine, cultural programming, and a podcast, Bosla Arts brings together artists, activists, and social change-makers to educate a UK and international audience. Growing transnational solidarity and challenging negative narratives through cultural work connects struggles from Hong Kong and Belarus to Palestine and Egypt. We are so happy for them to receive the Impact Grant and keep building those bridges across territories in a deeply divided world."
"Las Pibas Producen are building a community of migrant artists in Barcelona and creating new opportunities for artists to learn from each other and perform outside of existing misogynistic artist spaces. As a young organization, they take an intersectional approach collaborating with women, lesbians, trans, intersex, transvestite, and non-binary artists, cultural workers, and non-formal arts educators. Las Pibas is at the beginning of a beautiful journey to shape the cultural sector in Spain and provide a platform for new and underrepresented artists. We are happy to support a group looking to build alternatives that support queer and migrant artists."
"lowercase theatre is a company operating in one of the most deprived areas of the UK, dedicated to bringing theatre to communities that are literally in survival mode. Their mission of proving that arts can change lives and be accessible to everyone, not only those living in wealthier metropolitan areas, is what persuaded us to supporting them. We were impressed by the time, resources, and partnerships lowercase theatre has been investing in order to unpick systemic challenges, and build trust in communities let down by society. We hope this grant will help them strengthen their organisation and develop their projects and outreach."
"Making Things UP uses improvisation to reach out to the homeless in the Manchester area. By taking part in improv sessions people who are experiencing homelessness gain confidence, feel part of the community, and learn skills. This often leads to volunteering and even job opportunities. We were impressed by the clear positive impact this project has on its target participants. We are also excited to see a clear plan for the organisation’s future development and are sure that with this grant they will be able to achieve their goals."
"much cooler than yours is looking to find and highlight deeply personal stories of migration. The jury was inspired by their focus on weaving intergenerational stories, and creating new innovative artistic approaches to tell stories around migration across the globe. In a year where negative perception and attitudes towards migrants and migration has only increased, we see it as imperative to support and showcase an organization that brings people together and challenges the narratives that impact migrant populations, especially in Europe. This innovative approach to storytelling was exactly the kind of project The Supporting Act Foundation was looking to resource."
"Other Cinemas is building a community of Black and minority ethnic (BME) filmmakers both through their film school and their screenings in Brent, London, and throughout the UK. With a focus specifically on anti-colonial cinema from across Arab and African territories, Other Cinemas cultivates emerging artists and fosters a community of practice that sustains them in the long term. They are interested in expanding access to film education and building collective awareness of revolutionary, anti-colonial media throughout history. We are grateful for their work in telling alternative stories and growing this field."
"In a neighbourhood in Buenos Aires, Argentina, with very few cultural facilities, Planta Inclán has created a space for dialogue with other local and foreign institutions, and communities. As a jury we were inspired by their focus on community building through art, dance, culture and multidirectional creation. We loved the bringing of different mediums of contemporary creation closer to people in the periphery of the city who would not have access to them without the organization. We were eager to support an organization in the Global South, and in so doing to expand the reach of The Supporting Act Foundation, especially in a crucial time where government's cutbacks and closures of cultural institutions in Argentina are making it difficult for them to have a sustainable future."
"SAMAR offers a space for creative expression dedicated to Arabic-speaking refugee and immigrant women in France, allowing them to share their experiences of difficulties and challenges they face in exile. With negative narratives about refugees rife across Europe we felt this was a positive, impactful and important initiative using art and creativity to improve people's lives. Since the organisation felt very much at the beginning of their journey and is struggling financially we hope this grant will allow them some breathing space and the opportunity to develop and thrive."
"Solomiya is an artist-run independent magazine exploring and showcasing Ukraine's cultural and artistic scene. Established in response to Russia's attack on Ukraine, Solomiya’s approach of creating a magazine as a platform to explore and challenge current realities and complex social issues gave us confidence in the importance of its mission: fostering intercultural exchange, solidarity and discourse amongst Eastern European and Western artists and creatives in the light of continued aggression and oppression."
"Untitled Tbilisi leverages art to champion human rights in the Caucasus, focusing on queer and feminist communities and ethnic minorities. In a time of increasing oppression, the decentralized, exploratory, and collaborative approach of Untitled Tbilisi convinced us of its importance and impact in providing access to underrepresented stories, encouraging diversity, and promoting cross-regional dialogue in the Caucasus and beyond. By awarding Untitled Tbilisi with an impact grant we hope that the organisation will fulfil its mission by expanding its residency programs and cultural programming, addressing the urgent need for connection and solidarity in the face of common struggles."
Read more about our 2024 Jury here, or about this year's Creative Bursary recipients here.
