On June 9, YouTube opened its applications for the #YouTubeBlack Voices Fund Class of 2022. The fund program aims to celebrate Black creators across Australia, Brazil, Canada, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, United Kingdom, and the United States.
From @2Chainz' Money Maker Fund to @FireboyDML's Africa Month celebration, let's shine a light on one year of achievements with the #YouTubeBlack Voices fund. We're excited to expand our commitment to Black music, read about open applications for 2022 ↓ https://t.co/QzOAuMsQVp
— YouTube Music (@youtubemusic) June 9, 2021
Malik Ducard, VP of Content Partnerships at YouTube, shared the importance of the #YouTubeBlack Voices program:
“Black stories and experiences are as diverse and complex as the people. But all too often, the portrayals we see are a portrait of a monolithic group. That’s a problem we wanted to address; we hope to use the #YouTubeBlack Voices Fund to promote more authentic and varied perspectives and celebrate Black joy.”
The #YouTubeBlack Voices $100 million fund began last year with 132 participants wherein each creator or artist was mentored by YouTube Strategic Partner manager. The three-week fund program hosted sessions around Pre-Production 101, lighting, and digital storytelling to alternative monetization, media coaching and wellbeing.
.@jabrils_’ made an animated series. @shomadjozi hosted a virtual concert. @terrellgrice launched a cooking show. The #YouTubeBlack Voices Fund ‘21 grantees have amazed us – and we’re excited to open grant applications for the Class of 2022 on June 21. → https://t.co/ys8rfDYIeJ
— YouTube (@YouTube) June 9, 2021
For the latest edition of #YouTubeBlack Voices Fund Class of 2022, YouTube has extended applications to songwriters and producers. The platform has also announced its partnership with popular music firm 1500 Sound Academy, founded by GRAMMY winners James Fauntleroy and Larrance “Rance” Dopson. The partnership will fund 10 full scholarships for creators to join the six-month Academy’s Live Online 1500 Music & Industry Fundamentals program that will comprise music production, engineering, songwriting, mixing, music business and much more.
The application for #YouTubeBlack Voices fund program is set to commence on June 21.