Detroit Evening Report: Microgrants aim to make arts more equitable for Detroit’s young creatives

Two local nonprofits are banding together to offer grants to young aspiring artists looking to further develop their skills.

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The Launch Awards, sponsored by Detroit Excellence in Youth Arts (DEYA) and the New Detroit Youth Arts Provider Network, will offer microgrants to Detroit youth for things not usually covered by traditional scholarship awards, such as dance shoes and wardrobe, art materials, multimedia software, instrument maintenance or repair, online learning opportunities, travel costs and more.

The mission of the grant program is to create more equitable opportunities and accessibility to creative outlets for children in the city. Residents of the city of Detroit, Highland Park and Hamtramck — and youth who are full-time students at schools located in Detroit — are also eligible.

With an annual budget of $40,000, the Launch Awards will distribute $10,000 every quarter in March, June, September and December of 2024, according to DEYA. Young creatives ages 11-19 can apply up to four times for awards of up to $250 each, receiving up to $1,000 throughout the year to foster their artistic journeys.

Young creatives ages 11-19 can apply up to four times for awards of up to $250 each, receiving up to $1,000 throughout the year. A quarterly award of $10,000 will go to a selected recipient in March, June, September, and December in 2024. Award decisions will be made by community youth arts panels.

The Launch Award application period opens on Thursday, Feb. 1 and runs through Feb. 22. For more information and a link to the online application, visit connectdetroit.org/deya.

Other headlines for Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2024:

• The Dearborn City Clerk’s Office is looking for eligible residents to serve as election workers for the presidential primary election on Tuesday, Feb. 27, 2024.
• City of Detroit historian Jamon Jordan will host an event exploring the Black History of the North End from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 1, at St. Matthew’s & St. Joseph’s Episcopal Church, 8850 Woodward Ave., Detroit.
• The Detroit Institute of Arts kicks off its Black History Month programming this weekend with a new exhibit, “Regeneration: Black Cinema 1898-1971,” opening Sunday, Feb. 4.
• Wayne County Community College District (WCCCD) will host a new exhibit titled “Overcoming Hateful Things: Stories from the Jim Crow Museum of Racist Imagery,” beginning Monday, Feb. 5 at the Curtis L. Ivery Downtown Campus.
• The Detroit Pistons are headed to Ohio to face the Cavaliers in conference play at 7 p.m. Wednesday night.
• The Detroit Red Wings have won four of their last six games, and will host the Ottawa Senators at Little Caesars Arena at 7 p.m. Wednesday.
• The Michigan State Spartans host the University of Michigan Wolverines at the Breslin Center Tonight.

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