Our Community is at a Crossroads

For years, Southern artists and cultural workers have been the backbone of movements for progress and equity. However, the vital infrastructure required to sustain this work is often underfunded. Alternate ROOTS, Inc. exists to bridge this gap, ensuring that those who make work in, with, and for their communities have the resources they need to thrive. Today, we are launching this initiative to strengthen our ability to provide direct grants and professional development to creators across the South.

The Need for Sustainable Resources

Despite the high demand for community based cultural programming, many organizers face significant limitations. Current data reflects a growing need for institutional support:

Direct project costs for community art initiatives have risen by over 15% in the last two years.
Over 60% of regional artists report a lack of access to long term professional health and safety resources.
There is a critical shortage of dedicated funding for work that intersects specifically with rural social justice.

Our Vision for the Region

With your contribution, Alternate ROOTS, Inc. will expand our reach and provide more robust support systems for our members. Our project scope includes:

Increasing the total dollar amount of our annual community artist grants.
Developing a new digital resource hub for cultural workers to share strategies and toolkits.
Hosting professional workshops that focus on the intersection of art and community organizing.

Your support directly enables these cultural workers to focus on what they do best: creating work that strives for social justice. Every dollar invested in this campaign acts as a catalyst for local change.

Support Our Mission

Join Us in This Investment

We are currently working toward our goal to ensure that no vital community project goes unsupported this year. We invite you to join us in this investment. Your gift will provide the stability necessary for Southern artists to continue their essential work. Whether you are a long time supporter or joining our community for the first time, your generosity makes a measurable difference in the landscape of Southern culture.

Make Your Gift Today

50 Years of Southern ROOTS. Help Us Build the Next 50.

Support for the cultural workers shaping our Southern communities