Jean Appolon expressions selected for statewide initiative supporting community-rooted arts

The initial grant award of $500,000 over three years is a significant testament to the power of Jean Appolon Expression’s work. Thank you to our generous supporters and community members who helped get us to this momentous point.

Jean Appolon Expressions (JAE) was selected to participate in the Powering Cultural Futures initiative –as announced earlier today by the Barr Foundation and the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts. A collaboration between these foundations, this six-year initiative connects and supports 15 arts organizations rooted in Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) communities across Massachusetts.

We will receive operating funds as well as risk capital for growth through grants awarded by the Community Foundation via its BIPOC Arts Equity Fund. Our initial grant, supporting operations over the next three years, is in the amount of $500,000. This award represents the largest investment in JAE’s mission and vision to date.

“The Community Foundation is honored to establish the BIPOC Arts Equity Fund, and to invest in Jean Appolon Expressions as a grant recipient,” said Katie Allan Zobel, president and CEO of the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts. “We know that Massachusetts is more vibrant when it embraces all voices, and we view this Fund as a needed vehicle for donors statewide who want to invest in BIPOC artists, art forms, and communities.”

With support from the Barr Foundation, JAE will join with peers from other participating organizations in a learning journey, connecting over the next six years to share approaches, challenges, and successes. Throughout this timeframe we will have access to consultants who can assist our planning and organizational development. The lessons and insights gained through the experience of all initiative participants will be shared with BIPOC networks and donors throughout the state.

“JAE does important work to bring artists and cultural expression to the center of community life,” said Giles Li, senior program officer for Arts & Creativity at the Barr Foundation. “They are poised to pursue a next level of impact and resilience –and to help power the future of BIPOC arts in Massachusetts.”

“The organizations in this initiative are among many across Massachusetts who are true treasures in their communities,” added San San Wong, director of the Arts & Creativity program at Barr. “They have trusted leaders who embrace arts to speak powerfully about the experiences, struggles, triumphs, and dreams of community members. We look forward to learning from these partners, and to circulating knowledge that can contribute to a more equitable, well-resourced arts sector.”

Representing a range of ethnic and racial communities, geographies, art disciplines, and organizational characteristics, the 15 organizations participating in the Powering Cultural Futures initiative are:

For more information about the Powering Cultural Futures initiative, visit the Barr Foundation’s website.

About Jean Appolon Expressions: Jean Appolon Expressions (JAE) is a contemporary dance company deeply rooted in Haitian-folkloric culture that celebrates, nurtures, and empowers a global community. We accomplish this through professional performances, teaching, and fostering healing and the joy of movement in people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds to contribute to a socially just world. JAE shares the liberating power of Haitian-folkloric dance to cultivate hope and healing towards a more expressive and socially just world.

About the Barr Foundation: The Barr Foundation’s mission is to invest in human, natural, and creative potential, serving as thoughtful stewards and catalysts.Based in Boston, Barr focuses regionally, and selectively engages nationally, working in partnership with nonprofits, foundations, the public sector, and civic and business leaders to elevate the arts, advance solutions for climate change, and connect all students to success in high school and beyond. Founded in 1997, Barr now has assets in excess of $3 billion, and has contributed more than $1 billion to charitable causes. For more information, visit barrfoundation.org or follow @BarrFdn.

About the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts: Founded in 1991, the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts seeks to enrich the quality of life for the people of our region and champion community philanthropy. With assets totaling $200 million, the Community Foundation is an anchor organization for the three counties bordering the Connecticut River in western Massachusetts (Hampden, Hampshire, and Franklin Counties) and serves as a resource, catalyst, and coordinator for charitable activities. To learn more, visit http://communityfoundation.org/.

Jean Appolon Expressions Media Contact:
Meghan Riling
Director of Marketing + Media
megr@jeanappolonexpressions.org

Barr Foundation Media Contact:
Mary Chalifour
Acting Director of Communications
mchalifour@barrfoundation.org
617-854-3137

Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts Media Contact:
Emma Mesa-Melendez
Director of Communications
emesa@communityfoundation.org
413-417-6382