DEYA Launch Awards Empowering Detroit’s Young Artists with $40,000 in Microgrants

Detroit, a city famed for its rich cultural heritage and artistic vibrancy, is now poised to elevate its promising young talent to new heights with the announcement of the Detroit Excellence in Youth Arts  (DEYA) Launch Awards. With a commitment to fostering equity and accessibility in youth arts education, DEYA, in collaboration with the Detroit Youth Arts Provider Network, is offering a total of $40,000 in microgrants to support the development of young Detroit artists throughout 2024. The Launch Awards represent more than just financial assistance; they symbolize dreams and opportunity for the dynamic youth arts sector in Detroit, addressing critical funding gaps that often hinder the growth of budding creatives. Nafeesah Symonette, co-founder of DEYA, emphasizes the undeniable talent that permeates the city and underscores the importance of equitable access to high-quality arts programming for all Detroit youth. Through the generous support of partners like Gardner White, SEE Eyewear, and the Marshall Mathers Foundation, DEYA aims to remove barriers to artistic expression by covering expenses that may not typically be funded by scholarships or programs. From dance shoes to instrument maintenance, these microgrants provide essential resources to nurture the next generation of Detroit’s artistic visionaries. “We are thrilled to...