Art + Activism
artEquity's 10th Anniversary
We're All In!
During our 10th anniversary year in 2025, it became clear that our mandate is still the same and needed more than ever.
It was a tumultuous start to 2025. Deliberate attempts were made to overwhelm us and instill fear in our communities. These were direct attacks on the innate ability of the arts to shine a light on our flaws and envision a better tomorrow, to call folks out and in, and to open hearts and minds.
Our response? Bring it. “We’re All In!”
In the face of fear, we moved with intention. In the face of pushback, we doubled down. In the face of crises and chaos, we chose love and joy. And we did that with you, our community.
With you, we were all in to ignite change, forge connections, and realize liberation in what was a defiantly joyful year of community, action, and resistance!
OUR MOMENTS OF JOY!
10th Anniversary Dinner
We held a 10th Anniversary Dinner back in February 2025 in Los Angeles during our staff retreat, indulging in delicious food, cold drinks, and warm community conversation. artEquity community members were invited to come out and celebrate with us, sharing remarks, memories, and laughs from the past 10 years.
TELLING OUR STORY
A Three-Part Series
Over the last 10 years, artEquity has grown from a “one-time workshop” to a powerful supporter of the needs of our creative community. artEquity has cultivated spaces for connecting, building deeper racial analysis, and supporting BIPOC leaders—especially Black leaders—in shaping a more just and sustainable field. This series of conversations brought together members of the artEquity community who have guided, witnessed, and benefited from that collective work. Anchored by the vision and leadership of Carmen Morgan, these dialogues reflected on artEquity’s first 10 years: what has emerged, what has evolved, and what continues to inspire and challenge us as we imagine what comes next.
Conversation One: Origin
Livestreamed on November 20, 2025 | 12:30 p.m. PST / 3:30 p.m. EST
After 10 years, we held a conversation and reflection on artEquity’s founding and early years, Carmen Morgan’s leadership journey, and the values that guided the organization’s creation.
Conversation Two: Evolution
Livestreamed on December 3, 2025 | 2 p.m. PST / 5 p.m. EST
Watch a conversation on the expansion of artEquity’s programming after 2020 and how a racial reckoning deepened the work.
Conversation Three: Lessons
Livestreamed on December 5, 2025 | 12:30 p.m. PST / 3:30 p.m. EST
In this closing conversation, artEquity leadership reflected on the broader lessons learned over the organization’s first ten years and how they inform its continued evolution.
10th Anniversary Alumni Gathering
Our 2025 Alumni Gathering took place on October 22–25, 2025, bringing alumni and community members together in Los Angeles.
Learn more about the 2025 Alumni Gathering by clicking here.
SUPPORT OUR WORK!
10th Anniversary Campaign
It’s clear that this is not a moment for business as usual. We need to have an honest conversation with you: our friends, our supporters, our advocates.
The Administration’s Executive Orders have impacted our field, and the order to terminate National Endowment for the Arts grants, along with the ongoing assault on foundations and the nonprofit tax-exempt status, has had a direct impact on us—as well as on hundreds of other arts-centered organizations.
This means budget shortfalls and significant impacts to programming, especially at historically underfunded nonprofits that are Black-led. We, like many organizations, are creating a contingency plan in order to weather the current moment and unknowns to come. We are not backing down and, in fact, are doubling down on our efforts to bolster the field and support the communities we serve. We will not be deterred!
We’re asking you to take action NOW:
SUPPORT THE FIELD
Will you support our work with a gift TODAY?
We need you!
One of the best strategies for artEquity to thrive in the coming years (and we plan to!) is to decrease our reliance on traditional funding sources and to build a strong community of supporters.
OTHER WAYS TO PARTICIPATE!
On Social — Follow Us
Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram as we share out special stories, spotlights, resources, and more throughout 2025!
Swag — GET SOME!
We’re excited to share some sweet swag with our favorite folks—YOU. Our merch store is now open. Shop now and wear your values!