What I Learned and What Was Confirmed- The Black Arts & Culture Council Inaugural Event
A recap of “Pull Up” the inaugural event held by The Black Arts and Culture Council and Innovate Calgary . This blog will be about what I learned from these artists while attending the event as well as the things that I knew and were confirmed by my community.
This blog post will contain the things I learned and the things that were confirmed. (things I felt I already knew and were fantastic to hear someone else established in the community.)
Just a heads-up before we get into this post – work hours and traffic teamed up to make me fashionably late to the event at the Engineered Air Theatre in Arts Commons. But the determination to “pull up” and soak in whatever I could was strong.
I managed to slide in just in time to hear some delicious beats by one of my favourite DJs in the city, DJ Delight, and catch my good friend, Bethel Afework, founder of the Alcove Centre for the Arts and Raw Voices, dropping her fan favourite poem “White Girl”, followed by the panel discussions – which I'm truly grateful for, as it serves as the basis of this blog post.
So, here's what went down during that final panel and the insightful convos I had with fellow artists afterward. Let's dive in!
What is the Black Arts and Culture Council?
Follow the @the_bacc instagram page!
According to their social media: Founded by Wunmi Idowu, who is also the founder of Woezo Africa Music & Dance Theatre Inc, a flourishing Arts & Culture community organization for African, Caribbean & Black Artists.
The Black Arts and Culture Council (The BACC) is essentially a body dedicated to championing the best interests of Black and Caribbean artists. Their mission involves offering resources and networking opportunities to foster community growth. Each member of the council is already contributing in some capacity through their own careers and projects, and the collective power they've harnessed to establish this fantastic and much-needed community is truly remarkable.
Partners:
This event was in partnership with other notable organizations in Calgary such as: Woezo Africa Music & Dance Theatre Inc., Innovate Calgary, Alcove Centre for the Arts, The Walker Foundation, Icarus Sound Entertainment Inc., Wood Buffalo Strategy Group, RobyMisterDrums Enterprise Inc., Exposed Creatives Society and Alberta Black Stakeholders for Social Economy Collaborative (ABSSEC).
Who are the current members of the council?
Current Members of the Black Arts and Culture Council from Left to Right - Image source: @the_bacc
Top Row: Founder of the BACC Wunmi Idowu, Jerome Morgan, Bethel Afework, Femi Bode-Geroge
Bottom Row: Kamika Bianca Guerra-Walker. Robson Mauruce, Adaeze Hubbard
The Purpose of the Event
Bethel Afework Performing her fan favourtie poem “White Girl”
I enjoyed the title of the event “ Pull Up” which is an example of African American Vernacular English (AAVE) similar to the phrase “come through.” ultimately an invitation to join.
This event offered a fantastic networking opportunity for Black creators, innovators, and visionaries in the city. There was a mix of people I knew personally, acquaintances and people I had only communicated with via social media.
Attendees also had the chance to get a free headshot from local photographer Novio Kareem. Professional headshots, a not-so-secret secret in the arts community, hold more significance than I realized during my initial years of professional work—around my second year, to be precise. Despite its obvious importance, when you're just starting out, it tends to be one of the things furthest from your mind.
My experience with Networking Events
Having been a part of numerous networking events, I've attended far fewer specifically tailored to the Black creative community, and one thing's for sure – I always get something out of it.
These gatherings act as catalysts for ideas and innovation, and I'm drawn to the energy and voices that echo in the room. Despite grappling with social anxiety, I consistently push myself into the mix at events like these. Why? Being surrounded by people who look like me, all striving to discover fresh ways to connect, build, and empower, empowers and inspires me!
The Grant Information Panel
Image by Myself. Panelists from Left to right: Adaeze Hubbard, Alia Aluma, Mouraine, CHISH, Sarah Uwadiae, Perpetual Atife
Grant Information Panelists:
Alia Aluma: Alia Aluma is an award-winning artist, designer, and writer who works in various industries, including academia, philanthropy, and creative. Founder of Aluma Foundation and film curator at Contemporary Calgary
CHISH: Chish is a multidisciplinary artist based in Calgary
Mouraine: Hip Hope artist based in Calgary and Edmonton
Sarah Uwadiae: Award Winning filmmaker, hybrid artist and host of the Afros in the Diaspora Podcast.
Perpetual Atife: Award-winning musician, composer, songwriter, performer, arts administrator and grant specialist.
Adaeze Hubbard (moderator): Council member and artist, Inclusive Innovation Coordinator at Innovate Calgary
Each of these creatives brought a unique perspective to the conversation. It's genuinely rare to gather so many Black creatives from various disciplines in one room to discuss topics such as access to grants, funding, and partnerships and for the community to participate in important conversations surrounding the history and future of Black Arts in Calgary. This is especially noteworthy in Calgary, a city that heavily invests in the arts, and what I feel places it at the forefront of what makes Calgary an excellent space for artists to thrive.
Over the past 8 years, I've witnessed significant growth in Calgary's arts scene, evident in the expansion of programs and festivals, the increase of murals, and the flourishing film industry.
While there has been notable progress during my 8 years here and 4 years of active involvement in the art community, there is still much work ahead and the Black community, is accustomed to continually exploring ways to enhance accessibility, growth and success for our community.
Here are some topics that were discussed. These are all taken from the notes I made during the event and what I took away from them.
Now- onto what I learned
Grants are a stepping stone.
Grants are an incredible resource, and receiving one can be truly game-changing. However, Mouraine brought up a valid point: if you're passionate about your work, having a plan or finding a way to bring your ideas to fruition without solely relying on a grant is crucial. Your project shouldn't hinge on getting a grant, especially since they are highly sought after, and there's no guarantee of receiving one.
Whether you receive a grant or not, it shouldn't be the sole reason for completing your art; the passion and commitment to your craft should be the driving force.
Execute your vision without a grant.
2. Write your first grant yourself.
Grant writing is a skill that takes practice to master. Securing a grant on your first attempt is rare, especially if you're unfamiliar with the process or what assessors specifically look for. Therefore, practice becomes crucial. Once you've made your initial attempt, seeking outside help is a wise step. Grant writers can be valuable resources, and some grants may even reimburse you for their assistance, factoring in those costs. It's important to note that even with professional help, there's no guarantee you'll receive a grant. This is why it's so vital to first try writing the grant yourself.
3. Sign up to be a grant assessor.
Grant bodies are always on the lookout for assessors. I've had the privilege of being a grant assessor myself, and it was a truly invaluable experience (plus, you get paid!). Grant specialist Perpetual Atife emphasized the importance of independent artists joining these bodies, especially since they are constantly seeking ways to enhance the process.
Independent artists are the ones who need these grants the most, and by becoming a part of these bodies, you not only assist fellow artists but also gain insights into the process, requirements, and more, improving your chances of successful grant applications.
What was confirmed for me:
Know your weaknesses & strengths and ask for help.
The question originated from me: How can artists strike a balance between the business and the artistry? I had encountered this same question in a previous artist branding workshop I was facilitating at Arts Commons and was eager to hear the panel's insights.
The response was straightforward: "Know your weaknesses and strengths and ask for help." The arts community is teeming with diverse talents, making it vital for independent artists to grasp the business aspects without feeling the need to tackle it solo. Utilize your community, lean on each other for support.
I am a huge fan of collaboration, and I am also aware of the prevalent perfectionism in the art world which can create a sense of isolation. However, you don’t have to go at it alone. Find an ally, a partner, or a collaborator with skills complementing yours with a style you’re a fan of and a work ethic you respect.
Support each other's craft, enhance portfolios, and produce high-quality work collaboratively. This approach proves beneficial for everyone in the long run.
2. Create proposals for your work .
Stay prepared by jotting down your ideas and crafting proposals to share whenever someone inquires and to bring to meetings. Not only do these demonstrate thorough project planning, but they also convey dedication and a strong work ethic—qualities crucial for grant applications.
These proposals come in handy beyond grant applications when seeking external assistance. Crafting proposals doesn't have to feel overwhelming. Take advantage of free design resources such as Canva or Adobe Express to create professional proposals quickly and effortlessly.
This goes hand in hand with constantly writing down your ideas. Don’t let your ideas disappear into the void of your notes. Have a dedicated space where you can write dow those ever-emerging creative thoughts.
Personally, I use Notion to keep track of my ideas and projects.
3. Build. Your. Network.
This point was well made by Alia Aluma who has had multiple and notable creative projects with various organizations.
Collaborating with organizations can help establish long-term project agreements, enabling the incorporation of your network into these initiatives, and fostering sustainable relationships. Building a robust network is pivotal for artists.
The interconnectedness within your network not only amplifies your artistic reach but also provides a foundation for enduring partnerships, essential for navigating the dynamic landscape of the arts.
Finally, My own piece of advice:
Attend Network Events
Honestly, make attending events a habit. Show your support for fellow artists by taking the time to engage in events that align with your interests.
I get that networking events can feel overwhelming, but there's a good chance you'll run into someone familiar or reconnect with someone you haven't spoken to in a while or whose work piqued your interest on social media.
Stay updated on the projects of other artists; your efforts won't go unnoticed within your community, especially when it's time to promote your own projects.
Take a genuine interest in the creative processes of others, and you'll inevitably find inspiration and motivation. The strength of community is incredibly potent, and your growth is inevitable when you embrace it.
When one of us grows - we all grow.
Thank you to the BACC for an awesome event! I can’t wait for more!
Special Moments
