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Dear Supporters -
At the top of this quarter's Flash Update is Raúl Ortiz Bonilla's Amapola—a crimson hibiscus blazing against a field of gold. I purchased this work of art in 2024 not just as decoration, but as a deliberate investment in the talent within our community of artists.
I'm writing from Chicago as I prepare to attend EXPO Chicago, where some of our community of artists, partners, and collectors will soon gather. The present moment's reality is stark: this convening happens against a backdrop of unprecedented challenges for arts organizations focused on amplifying marginalized voices. Whether on the road or at home, I witness both the struggle and the extraordinary resilience and courage of our artists daily. Their work—vital, necessary, transformative—continues despite mounting headwinds.
The Unvarnished Reality We Face
The environment for nonprofits like ours has become increasingly hostile. Consider these recent developments:
February 6, 2025 — Challenge America Eliminated. The National Endowment for the Arts has discontinued its $10K Challenge America grants for FY 2026, closing a crucial funding channel that artist-centered organizations like ours have relied upon.
March 27, 2025 — Executive Order on "Divisive" Exhibits. A new federal directive now pressures museums to remove displays labeled as "divisive" by race—a thinly veiled attack on Black and Afrodescendant narratives. This strikes at our core: since our founding in 2019, we've partnered with Smithsonian-affiliated institutions whose ability to present unfiltered stories now faces direct political interference.
March 2025 - Congress passed a continuing resolution that treated Washington, DC's local budget as if it were a federal agency. The DC government was forced to revert to its Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 spending levels, resulting in an immediate $1.1 billion cut for the last six months (April - September 2025) of the fiscal year.
These are not abstract policy changes. They represent real barriers to the 120 artists in our community—painters, photographers, sculptors, musicians—whose voices grow more essential, not less, in difficult times. In particular, given that we are headquartered in Washington, DC, and receive grant funding from the DC Commission on the Arts & Humanities (DC CAH), we are experiencing the current environment acutely.
Our Response: Steadfast, Strategic, and Calm
Despite these challenges, we remain resolute. We have deliberately diversified our revenue streams — nurturing relationships with art-patron-level supporters, private foundations, individual donors, and continuing to strengthen our board of directors. This Foundation wasn't built on shifting sands.
When I sold my DC home to seed the Foundation six years ago with a $300,000 personal investment, I knew the path wouldn't be easy. But I believed—and still believe —that Afrodescendant artists deserve more than intermittent acknowledgment. Artists deserve sustained investment, dedicated platforms, and unwavering support.
The evidence of our resilience surrounds us:
- Our donor base increases every year and now stands at 62 individual donors.
- Art-patron-level gifts remain strong even as other organizations see declines.
- Our sustaining-donor roster continues to grow month over month.
- We have earned and sustained 100% board director giving since the beginning.
Your Role in This Critical Moment
Your involvement is essential and needed more than ever.
Consider taking action today (if not already done so):
- Become a monthly supporter—at any amount; an amount of $6.25/month will, over twelve months, fund one hour of mentorship for an artist in our community
- Join The Art Patron Circle ($3,000 or greater donation a year) funds our popular Artists-in-Residence programs, where artists have access to a studio space to focus on their artistic practice of choice
- Share your expertise—we need volunteer board directors in Chicago, Washington DC, or individuals with a classical music background located anywhere in the world
- Amplify this update —forward it, post about our work, host an Art Patron
Salon
From Threat to Opportunity
I've been asked repeatedly, "Can the Foundation weather these headwinds?" My answer lives in Amapola: absolutely. Look closely at that crimson hibiscus—it doesn't just survive in harsh conditions; it makes a statement through its very existence.
Like that bold bloom, the Foundation and our community of artists refuse to be diminished. Our work becomes more necessary, not less, when voices are threatened. With your partnership—your voice, your resources, your active involvement —we will meet this moment head on.
The time to stand with artists is not when it's convenient. It's now, when it matters most. We do not run from a fight. Will you stand with us?
With fierce determination and gratitude,
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