Grants Accelerator Program (GAP)
Grants Accelerator Program (GAP)
The Grants Accelerator Program (GAP) was created to address historical inequities in the private philanthropy and government funding sector. World Arts West’s 2023-2025 research survey, funded by the Wallace Foundation, substantiates what we have known for decades: that while cultural dance companies continue to create work at the highest levels, and are crucial social supports for the communities they serve, they continue to be underfunded.
The main findings showed that culturally specific dance organizations:
have limited organizational infrastructure, threatening the sustainability of the sector
are essential to the preservation of communities and their diasporic cultures
face the devaluation of their community based art forms
have an increased need for safe and affordable space
World Arts West research shows many cultural dance organizations are under-resourced despite continuing to positively impact community health, happiness, and cultural richness.
With this in mind, World Arts West is committed to creating programs that impact the sustainability and professional development of cultural dance organizations and our communities.
We provide capacity building support for cultural artists and dance companies to create long term sustainability for a healthy cultural arts ecosystem.
World Arts West announces the 2026 cohort of its Grants Accelerator Program (GAP)
The 2026 GAP cohort reflects the diversity and leadership of the Bay Area’s cultural dance ecosystem, including artists and organizations rooted in immigrant, refugee, LGBTQ+, disabled, and other historically excluded communities. Cohort members will participate in monthly webinars and working labs, receive one-to-one coaching and proposal reviews, and benefit from peer learning and promotional support throughout the year.
2026 Grants Accelerator Program Cohort
The Grants Accelerator Program (GAP) was created to address historical inequities in the private philanthropy and government funding sector. World Arts West’s 2023-2025 research survey, funded by the Wallace Foundation, substantiates what we have known for decades: that while cultural dance companies continue to create work at the highest levels, and are crucial social supports for the communities they serve, they continue to be underfunded.
The main findings showed that culturally specific dance organizations:
have limited organizational infrastructure, threatening the sustainability of the sector
are essential to the preservation of communities and their diasporic cultures
face the devaluation of their community based art forms
have an increased need for safe and affordable space
World Arts West research shows many cultural dance organizations are under-resourced despite continuing to positively impact community health, happiness, and cultural richness.
With this in mind, World Arts West is committed to creating programs that impact the sustainability and professional development of cultural dance organizations and our communities.
We provide capacity building support for cultural artists and dance companies to create long term sustainability for a healthy cultural arts ecosystem.
Program Examples
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The Grants Accelerator Program (GAP)
Provides capacity building support to help an annual cohort of cultural artists and dance companies access grants funding.
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The Special Artists Commission Program (SAC)
Supports large scale, innovative projects that otherwise might not be realized. World Arts West supports artists/organizations with fundraising, promotion and admin.
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Cultural Dance Catalyst Fund
The actualization of Latanya d. Tigner's 20+ year vision, tracing the roots and retention of West African movement in the US, and particularly in HBCU marching band culture.
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Career Pathways Roundtable
The Career Pathways Roundtable (CPR) is a facilitated dialogue for cultural artists to share their road maps to successful careers in the cultural arts sector, including philanthropy, education, arts administration, and events production.
