The Atlanta-based nonprofit regional arts organization South Arts has received a gift of $1.175 million from the Alice L. Walton Foundation, the philanthropic foundation funded by the daughter and heiress of Wal-Mart founder Sam Walton.
The gift will support Southern Cultural Treasures, a $6 million multi-year initiative at South Arts to fund cultural organizations throughout the region led by and primarily serving Black, indigenous, and people of color.
“[The] Southern Cultural Treasures initiative plays a critical role in ensuring the future of organizations that contribute to the history, culture, and vitality of this region,” said Alice Walton in an announcement from South Arts. “Our foundation focuses on providing access to offerings that improve well-being and create diverse and inclusive communities, and we are honored to take part in this opportunity to support these organizations.”
Past recipients of funds from the Southern Cultural Treasures initiative include the Atlanta-based True Colors Theatre Company, founded in 2002 by Tony Award-winning director Kenny Leon, and East Point-based Ballethnic Dance Company, which has received acclaim for its incorporation of African dance and ballet techniques in choreography and dance performance.
Outside of Atlanta, the Otis Redding Foundation in Macon and Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame in Birmingham are among the Southern Cultural Treasures grantees announced earlier this year.
