Dominion Arts Foundation

Why Your Donation Matters

The Dominion Arts Foundation seeks to solve a systemic gap in training and mentorship opportunities for at risk youth and young adults in Atlanta who seek to develop their musical theatre talents and grow careers in the performing arts. Far too often, members of underserved communities are overlooked for opportunities in the arts and entertainment industries, especially behind the scenes. We intend to change this through our work.

The Challenge

Arts funding is being slashed at an alarming rate, putting the mission of Dominion Arts in dire straits. As such, we ask for the community's support to help us raise $10,000 to ensure the continuation of our education, training and mentorship opportunities for aspiring performers in underserved communities.

Nicknamed the “Hollywood of the South,” one would assume that there are ample professional development opportunities for aspiring youth artists in Atlanta, but this simply isn’t the case. Either meaningful training sessions don't exist or, those that do, are often cost prohibitive for our clients. The demographic we serve often can’t afford registration fees, and even if they can, they don’t have the liberty to take time off from part-time, paying jobs, that help provide for their basic needs.

Our History

The Foundation itself came into being in 2016 after esteemed writer and producer, Robert John Connor, saw an alarming gap in the amount of available training opportunities for at risk young adults. Sadly, hiring practices in the arts and entertainment industries remain as racially skewed as they were in the 1960’s-1970’s, with only six percent of Hollywood film directors today being Black or African American.  Hyper-focused on fixing a very broken system, Connor started a nonprofit arm of his for-profit production company, Dominion Entertainment Group and named it the “Dominion Arts Foundation.” 

Our Programs

Currently, The Dominion Arts Foundation offers three flagship program offerings: The Summer Arts Intensive, The Industry Bridge Youth Initiative, and the Powerhouse Playwright Series. Through these low-cost/no-cost technical training experiences, DAF is able to provide vital skills and education to aspiring actors, dancers, singers, writers, directors, producers, and stage managers. Through our sessions and the network of industry professionals with whom we work, we take great pride in helping our clients change their internal narrative from "I Can't" into "I Can," and "I WILL!"