Women and people of color filmmakers have always had to fight extra hard to earn capital to fund their artistic dreams. Now, famed director Ava DuVernay is launching her own initiative aimed to bring more marginalized creatives in front of mainstream audiences.
This week, DuVernay’s nonprofit foundation ARRAY Alliance launched a $250,000 fund to provide grants for creatives who are telling stories of underrepresented communities, specifically those impacted by the global coronavirus pandemic. ARRAY Grants will be given to independently owned film festivals and screening series that have been canceled because of the spread of COVID-19.
“Establishing ARRAY Grants furthers ARRAY’s mission to support arts advocates around the country that are cultural necessities in their communities. With more content from creators of color and women being made, it’s crucial to support the organizations that nurture and nourish these voices,” ARRAY Alliance executive director Regina Miller said in a statement, according to The Hollywood Reporter. “In just the last few weeks, we’ve all gained a new appreciation for the value of human connection and the simple comfort of being together, sharing stories, in a place that feels safe and welcoming. Every community deserves that.”
Grants of $10,000 have already been given to 14 honorees centered on telling stories from female and minority communities including the BronzeLens Film Festival, Black Femme Supremacy Film Festival, and the Houston Museum of African American Culture.
DuVernay took to her Instagram page to share the news with her followers.
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