Black Belt artists received help from Artist Storm Relief Fund

Grants from the Artist Storm Relief Fund were able to help local artists in the Black Belt recover after the tornado in January 2023 struck and caused widespread damage. 

A bulletin recently released by the Black Belt Community Foundation (BBCF) said that the fund was one of their initiatives in helping in the recovery, which was funded by the Educational Foundation of American with $50,000. 

The funding enabled the BBCF to distribute $1,000 individual grants to 47 artists, one of which included Charlie "Tin Man" Lucas of Selma. 

Applicants went through a process where they showed how they were affected by the storms and then approved by the BBCF Arts Grants Committee and Board of Directors. 

"With the Artist Storm Relief Fund, we were able to provide more financial stability for artists," said Aaron Head, BBCF Arts Program Director. "Many were able to address pressing concerns such as housing, studio repairs, and replacing damaged equipment. This financial injection helped prevent further economic strain on the artists and allowed them to focus on rebuilding their lives."