We Are Alternate ROOTS
We are a group of artists and cultural organizers in the US South, working together to create a better world. As a member-driven national network, we support artists and cultural organizers by promoting the important work they do and by advocating for social and economic justice. Our mission goes beyond the arts; we aim to build a strong community where the voices of artists and cultural organizers are heard and valued as essential catalysts for change.
About Alternate ROOTS
Alternate ROOTS supports the creation and presentation of original art rooted in community, place, tradition, or spirit. We advocate for social and economic justice and work to end all forms of oppression everywhere. We connect artists who are dedicated to creating work that involves and benefits their communities, and those whose cultural work aims for social justice.
Become A ROOTS Member
Alternate ROOTS is member-focused. As artists and cultural organizers based in the US South, we are creating a better world together. We strongly encourage all new members to attend an orientation and join us at a ROOTS event found under GATHERINGS. Joining ROOTS is the first step into a vibrant community that creates impactful art and supports each other along the way.
Programs & Resources
Alternate ROOTS’ programs provide financial and other resources for the creation and presentation of original art rooted in community, place, tradition, or spirit. Our current grant programs include Partners in Action and Artistic Assistance (Project Development and Professional Development). Other ROOTS programs focus on coalition-building and member-led initiatives that support social and economic justice: ROOTS Week, ROOTS Weekends, ROOTS Rhizomes, Intercultural Leadership Institute, YOOTS (Youth at ROOTS), Indigenous Working Circle, and Heal/Teal team.
Cultural Organizing
Alternate ROOTS uses cultural organizing to live out our mission of eliminating all forms of oppression. As a member-driven national resource for artists and cultural workers, we champion social and economic justice by placing art and culture at the center of all of our organizing strategies. Through cultural organizing, Alternate ROOTS maintains relationships with members and partner organizations across the South by hosting many different kinds of gatherings. Alternate ROOTS participates in coalition-building in strategic formation with the Intercultural Leadership Organization (ILI), Southern Movement Assembly (SMA), and Southern Power Fund (SPF). Member-led Work Groups like UpROOTing Ableism, Gender Equity, Indigenous Working Circle, and Heal/Teal and member-hosted Rhizomes are also part of ROOTS’ cultural organizing efforts. We promote opportunities for organizing through our Justice Advocacy Fellowship.
Giving Program
Your gift helps Alternate ROOTS artists impact the culture and fabric of our country and beyond as they affect positive change in the communities in which they serve. Your dollars go toward direct support through grants, partnerships, travel stipends, and technical assistance. ROOTS advocates for Southern artists, communities, and those least represented in the national arts and social justice ecosystem.
