BANF’S Guiding Question
What does it take for BIPOC arts and artists to create a thriving ecosystem that can shift the arts and culture sector in Houston toward equity?
Four Learning Areas
How might we equitably resource a BIPOC arts network so that BIPOC artists and communities thrive enduringly?
- What resources are needed for a network of established and emerging arts organizations, collectives, and individuals to thrive together in Houston?
- What frameworks, stances, worldviews guide this thinking? How might we create space for many strategies?
- What does it take to shift systems and build new ones that equitably and sustainably resource BIPOC artists and organizations?
- What does sustainably resource mean in a diverse and complex network?
- How might the network, and BANF as a partner, influence the direction of resources (philanthropic, civic, etc.) to sustainability nourish BIPOC artists, collectives and organizations into the future?
What infrastructure and support is necessary to deepen and expand the capacity of BIPOC arts organizations and artists?
- What is the necessary infrastructure needed to scaffold an under resourced and under recognized ecosystem into a functional network that strengthens BIPOC arts ecosystem and the broader Houston community?
- What kinds of investments and efforts acknowledge and shift systemic barriers, conditions, and power in the field?
- How might artists be supported to bring their own expertise, wisdom, and commitment to collaboration and mutual support efforts?
How might we support arts groups to bridge across communities and disciplines, build relationships, access additional resources, and harness their collective power to advance equity?
- What are we learning about the relationships that are necessary for building a networked ecosystem of arts organizations?
- What is needed to support groups to come together, bridge across, build relationships, access support, learn, minimize competition, and advance change in the ecosystem?
- What relationships already exist that can be built upon?
What are the most impactful ways of shifting the narrative about BIPOC arts and artists so their creativity, brilliance, and ensuring presence is celebrated and supported?
- What narratives already exist and are emerging from BIPOC communities about BIPOC arts and artists in making Houston strong?