On Juneteenth, Creative Debuts Marks Five Years of Support for Black Artists

Creative Debuts reflects on a half-decade of grassroots arts funding, launched in response to racial inequities in the cultural sector.

As communities around the world reflect on Juneteenth, Creative Debuts, a London-based arts organisation, is marking five years of the Black Artists Grant (BAG) — a small but consistent source of support for Black artists navigating an industry where funding and recognition remain unevenly distributed. The initiative, which offers a monthly grant with no conditions attached, was launched to provide financial breathing space for Black creatives — many of whom work without institutional support. Since its inception, it has distributed £95,900 to 137 recipients.

“The Black Artists Grant isn’t just funding,” said Calum Hall, the founder of Creative Debuts. “It’s a statement of trust, value, and commitment to equity in the creative industries. Too often, systemic barriers silence voices that need to be heard. This grant exists to amplify those voices and remind the industry that real support means showing up consistently, not just when it’s trending.”

Each month, one artist is selected for the grant. There are no requirements to submit project plans or progress reports. The idea, according to those involved, is to create a small but meaningful shift — offering a gesture of recognition in a system that often withholds it.

“From my experience, the majority of artists, especially Black artists from working-class backgrounds, pour most of their resources into creating their work,” said Tinie Tempah, an artist and one of the grant’s selectors. “This grant acknowledges their contributions and builds their confidence. It places them in a league with other funded artists, fostering community and collaboration.”

Affoué Aurélie N’gotta, the May 2025 recipient, is a self-taught painter working primarily in oil. Based in London, she is preparing to move into her first solo studio. She said the grant would help her buy materials and expand into larger-scale work.

“The glass ceiling in the art world is very real, with in-groups and gatekeepers that make it incredibly intimidating to break through,” she said. “This made it difficult to see art as something I could do. A lot of young Black artists, like me, sacrifice not just money but also time and emotional energy to keep going. Community is vital. Seeing other artists in my community win, continue, and grow is so inspiring. It reminds you that it is possible and makes it easier to keep showing up.”

N’gotta learnt about the grant through social media. She said she applied because of its clear focus on supporting minority artists. For other recipients, the support has enabled both personal and collaborative growth. Filmmaker Remi Moses used the funds to consult with medical professionals while working on his project Saving Art. “The grant gave me access to resources that enhanced my work in ways I never could have imagined,” he said.

Niquelle LaTouche, who received the grant during the lockdown period, said it allowed her to extend support to other creatives in her circle. “The BAG allowed me to share some resources with dancers and performers, fostering a sense of community and support,” she said.

The grant’s selection panel has included artists and curators such as Kimhia and Indira Toussaint, who emphasised the role even a modest sum can play in sustaining creative momentum.

“We know firsthand how a small ‘yes’ can change the trajectory of a creative life,” they said in a joint statement. “This grant is not just about money; it’s about validation, opening doors for new work, and providing the space for creativity to flourish.” Artist Fiona Compton framed the initiative as one part of a broader effort to address representation and access in the arts.

“Art plays a crucial role in how we see ourselves and each other,” she said. “When Black artists aren’t represented, we miss out on diverse perspectives and rich narratives. This grant is a small step towards correcting generations of exclusion.”

Creative Debuts continues to fund the programme independently. Those involved say the model is deliberately simple — and that its value lies not just in the funding, but in the consistency with which it is offered.

About Creative Debuts

Creative Debuts was launched in 2013 and is an innovative platform dedicated to disrupting and democratising the art world.  At its heart, it is a vibrant community where artists, designers and creators are supported and empowered. The company develops sold out exhibitions, activating flagship retail stores and commissioning bespoke artwork for such prestigious brands as adidas, Disney, Hugo Boss, Instagram and Spotify.  Its mission is to push creative boundaries and continually champion emerging talent, while inspiring conversation and raising awareness for important causes.

You can apply for Creative Debuts’ Black Artists Grant here.

©2025 Creative Debuts

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