August 19th 2023.
TILA Studios, an Atlanta-based Black women’s artist collective, is one of 10 recipients of a major grant from popular tech company Intuit Mailchimp. The company, also based in Atlanta, is giving away $1 million of unrestricted funding as part of its pledge to support the local creative community. TILA Studios will receive $100,000 of the funds.
TILA Studios is described as a “24/7 safe haven for members to create and collaborate, offering a chic, New York, Loft-like artist haven.” The grant money will help them contribute to different initiatives, showing Mailchimp’s commitment to demonstrating the power of the creative economy and driving positive change, inclusivity, and the betterment of the Atlanta community.
TIFFANY Latrice, executive director of TILA Studios, said the support from Intuit Mailchimp means a lot, as many creative studios like them are often overlooked by major corporations. “We’re not just a creative organization, but we’re also a Black organization, and a creative Black women’s organization at that, so the opportunities to receive funding the way that other businesses or organizations do are not as plentiful,” she said.
Mailchimp executives agree that this is only the beginning. According to Arts ATL, the company said the $1 million represents only a small fraction of what Atlanta’s creative space really needs. Lain Shakespeare, senior director of corporate citizenship, said, “Small and medium-sized arts organizations are the heartbeat of Atlanta’s creative economy. Many of these arts organizations are our customers, our partners and the places where our employees volunteer. We’re proud to help power their prosperity and help grow creative excellence in our hometown."
The other awardees included Dashboard, Living Walls, Moving in the Spirit, RE:IMAGINE, True Colors Theatre, The Atlanta Music Project, MODA and Atlanta Contemporary. TILA Studios plans on using the money to support some of its existing programs, like the award-winning and nationally-recognized Garden Fellowship, a 15-month program helping artists take their careers to the next level.
Latrice said she was glad that Intuit Mailchimp sought to invest its money in the local creative community. “It means a lot that they see us and support our ambitious vision to uplift and amplify the voices of Black women artists,” she added.
This grant is a huge step towards recognizing the importance of Black women in the creative economy. Intuit Mailchimp’s generosity is a testament to the potential of creative excellence in Atlanta and beyond.
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