Recently, The Langston Hughes Performing Arts Institute and the Central District Forum for Arts and Ideas (CD Forum) celebrated the culminating event of their collaborative project, the Creative Empowerment Program (CEP). This innovative program, designed to support and uplift Black artists in the region, paired six mentors with six mentees, providing them with resources, guidance, and a platform to showcase their work. In addition to the mentorship program, the initiative awarded a total of $30,000 in grants to 30 Black artists and creatives.

A Program Rooted in Community and Artist Development

The CEP is a community-rooted solution deeply rooted in the community's needs. Jeneva-Maria Burton, one of the program's managers, emphasized the importance of community involvement in the selection process. "We went to the community and worked with Black artists...doing amazing work," she said. This grassroots approach ensured that the program was truly representative of the diverse talents and needs of local Black artists.

Geneiva Arunga, the other program manager, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the program's commitment to diversity and inclusion. "We really got all across the board," she said, describing the range of creatives selected for the program. "We have folks who...are identified as male, female...playwrights, folks who do videography...it really was all across the board."

Nurturing Artistic Growth Through Mentorship and Workshops

The CEP provided a comprehensive approach to artist development, offering a series of workshops designed to equip participants with essential skills for success. The workshops covered a wide range of topics, including wellness, business fundamentals, marketing, pitch development, and financial literacy.

"We really wanted to give them a whole round perspective of how to really launch their artistic journey into the business realm," explained Geneiva Arunga.

Jeneva-Maria Burton emphasized the program's focus on holistic well-being, stating, "I really want us as Black artists to tap in to manage our self-care...so that we can give in a space of abundance instead of lacking scarcity."

Addressing the Needs of Black Artists in the Region

The CEP was created in response to the identified needs of Black artists in the region. Ebony Arunga, Executive Director of Langston, highlighted the ongoing need for resources, space, and funding. "We're going to continue to ask [artists] what it is that they need," she assured, "and we're going to continue to try to meet that need." The $1,000 micro-grants awarded to 30 artists, alongside the mentorship and training provided to the CEP participants, demonstrate a multi-faceted approach to addressing these needs.

A Celebration of Artistic Achievement and Future Growth

The culminating event served as a platform for the CEP participants to showcase their work and celebrate their achievements. Ebony Arunga expressed her excitement about the event, stating, "I'm really excited because I'm watching them come in the doors...proud of what they've been working on, and I can't wait to see what they have to show us tonight."

Looking Ahead: A Commitment to Continued Support

The CEP represents a significant step forward in supporting and empowering Black artists in the region. However, the work is far from over. As Dani Tirrell aptly put it, "How do we do this without the support of institutions? Institutions are important, and also the institutions can't survive without the artist."

The CEP, and events like the culminating celebration, demonstrate the power of collaboration between institutions and artists. They offer a model for how we can continue to nurture and uplift Black artistic voices, ensuring that they have the resources, support, and platforms they need to thrive.

As the program evolves, Langston and CD Forum remain committed to listening to the needs of Black artists and working to create a more equitable and inclusive artistic landscape in the region.