A.Q.U.A.
African Diasporic, Queer, Under-Resourced Artists
AQUA is an arts and culture program that supports queer and under-resourced artists from the African diaspora. It provides space, resources, and community so artists can grow their work and sustain their creative careers.
Program Type
Arts and culture cohort program
Location
AQUA is an arts and culture program that supports queer and under-resourced artists from the African diaspora. It provides space, resources, and community so artists can grow their work and sustain their creative careers.
Program Type
Arts and culture cohort program
Location
- Pittsburgh, PA (urban-based)
- International expansion in development
Who We Serve
Queer and under-resourced artists of the African diaspora
Annual Reach
20 artists per year
Annual Budget
$30,000
What We Do
- Provide exhibition and performance opportunities
- Offer mentorship and professional development
- Support wellness and access to food resources
- Teach business and sustainability planning for artists
- Build community-based support cohorts and accountability groups
Community Needs We Address
- Financial instability among artists
- Lack of culturally affirming creative spaces
- Mental health and resource access gaps
- Limited access to professional arts infrastructure
Our Impact
- Supporting 20 artists each year
- Increasing opportunities for artistic creation and public work
- Strengthening business and financial skills for creatives
- Building stronger creative networks and collaboration
Program Summary
AQUA supports and uplifts artists of the African diaspora by combining creative opportunity with practical resources, community care, and professional development.