Post From Community: Sherman Phoenix and gener8tor launch new program to serve Milwaukee entrepreneurial and creative community | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Maureen Ragalie
January 18, 2023
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The Sherman Phoenix Foundation and gener8tor are excited to announce the launch of gener8tor Art x Sherman Phoenix, a program designed to serve the Milwaukee creative community through professional development workshops, one-on-one mentorship and grant funding for individual artists. With a focus on supporting creative professionals who have been traditionally underfunded, such as BIPOC, LGBTIA+, female or female identifying, nonbinary individuals, persons with disabilities, neurodiverse individuals and veterans, the inaugural program aims to support the business side of these creative practices.
Based out of the Sherman Phoenix Marketplace in Milwaukee, gener8tor Art x Sherman Phoenix will run year-round programming that is free and open to the public. Community programming will include workshops, webinars, artist talks, one-on-one office hours and mentorship opportunities. Public programming will also include a one-month Master Class Series around building a professional art practice. gener8tor Art x Sherman Phoenix will also offer a seven-week accelerator program twice per year, in which participants will receive seven weeks of individualized mentorship on how to strengthen the business side of their art practice. Individual artist grants of up to $10,000 will be available to Milwaukee-based artists who participate in the accelerator program. The deadline to apply for the first application cycle is Feb. 26, with the selective seven-week accelerator program beginning on April 10. Apply here!
“gener8tor is thrilled to partner with Sherman Phoenix to deliver both public and selective programs for artists in the Milwaukee area,” said Darius Smith, director of gener8tor Art x Sherman Phoenix. “We are continuing our mission to provide creative and sustainable resources for artists to thrive both financially and creatively and make the impossible possible – no matter their race, place or gender.”
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The application deadline for the gener8tor Art x Sherman Phoenix Accelerator Program is Feb. 26. The seven-week selective artist program will begin April 10. Artists and mentors who are interested in learning more or getting involved are encouraged to visit gener8tor Art.
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gener8tor is a global venture firm and accelerator network that supports startups, workers, employers, artists and musicians across race, place and gender. gener8tor partners with companies, governments, universities and nonprofits to operate programs and conferences in more than 41 communities across 22 states and two countries. Fast Company named gener8tor one of the Best Workplaces for Innovators in 2021 and 2022. The International Trade Council recognized gener8tor as Global Venture Capital Firm of the Year in 2022.
The Sherman Phoenix Foundation is focused on critically needed leadership, training and action by leaders of color on economic equity and empowerment. The Foundation will work to collaborate with leaders working to build inclusive and just economies for communities of color. It will support strategies focused on: Economic equity and empowerment; Entrepreneurship and small business success; Strategic corporate investment and training; and Emotional wellness for leaders of color. Additionally, the nonprofit organization will lead all programming at the Sherman Phoenix that brings cultural and economic vibrancy to the hub, including technical assistance for the 25+ small business tenants, wellness programming, educational offerings and arts and cultural events.