Collage Dance Collective earns Neighborhood Champion honor from Bank of America

In a significant step toward fostering diversity in the arts and empowering the next generation of performers, Bank of America Memphis has announced Collage Dance Collective as its 2024 Neighborhood Champion.

The Neighborhood Champion program, part of Bank of America’s longstanding commitment to building thriving communities, recognizes organizations that address issues fundamental to economic opportunity and cultural enrichment. For Collage Dance Collective, this means expanding access to classical training to underserved communities and inspiring growth and diversity in ballet through inclusive programming and visionary performances that resonate locally and globally.

“To be selected as the 2024 Neighborhood Champion was truly an honor,” said Marcellus Harper, Executive Director for Collage Dance Collective via email. “These are challenging times for performing arts organizations, so this type of recognition and support is encouraging as we navigate the times ahead.”

Collage Dance Collective, headquartered in Memphis, is celebrated as one of the South’s largest Black performing arts organizations. Since its inception in 2009, the organization has made waves in the dance world, creating a platform where young dancers—particularly from underrepresented communities—can thrive.

“Collage contributes to the cultural and economic vibrancy of Memphis and beyond, through the expansion of its programs and by continuing to remove barriers and provide access to quality arts education and training to underserved communities, ” said Trevia Chatman, president of Bank of America Memphis.

As a Neighborhood Champion, Collage Dance Collective is awarded a $50,000 grant over two years, leadership training resources for the organization’s executive director, access to technical coaching and a national network of nonprofit peers. For Collage Dance Collective, the grant from Bank of America’s Neighborhood Champions program is more than a financial boost; it’s a gateway to opportunities that can transform lives.

“Bank of America’s recognition and support allow us to direct more resources to our artistic and educational programming, making a direct impact on the young people we serve,” said Collage Artistic Director Kevin Thomas. “This grant from Bank of America will allow Collage to focus on moving beyond resilience and strength and toward organizational wellness and sustainability.”

The multi-year funding and support will enable Collage Dance Collective to expand its programming, enhance training facilities, and reach more young dancers across the region. It will also ensure that the dancers are well-equipped on and off the dance floor.

“The wellness and safety of our dancers is one of our top priorities. But, providing safe spaces to ensure that physical therapy and access to health care are accessible to our artists/athletes and to cultivate a culture where dancers can thrive, requires resources. This grant supports our efforts to sustain practices and grow resources that allow our artists to thrive,” said Shalishah Franklin, Collage Director of Marketing and Communications.

For many aspiring artists, access to world-class instruction and resources is often a barrier to pursuing their dreams. Despite the well-researched impact the arts have on educational success, it is estimated that only 3% of children living in poverty have access to arts education or training. This grant will help continue to dismantle those barriers by providing scholarships, mentorship and performance opportunities for young talent. This award will also allow the organization to expand its community engagement work and provide training to its leadership team.

For the young artists who walk through the doors of Collage Dance Collective, this partnership signals a brighter future. Beyond perfecting pirouettes and grand jetés, these dancers are learning resilience, collaboration and self-expression.

“I hope this new recognition will help Collage Dance Collective expand its reach across the Mid-South and beyond,” said Chatman.

The ripple effects of this partnership are profound. By investing in dancer wellness and expanding access to ballet, Collage Dance Collective is empowering the next generation of artists to redefine what’s possible in the world of dance. Beyond the stage, these young dancers gain confidence, discipline and a sense of purpose—qualities that will serve them in any endeavor.

As Collage Dance Collective takes its place as a 2024 Neighborhood Champion, it’s clear that the synergy between the organization’s mission and Bank of America’s commitment to community building will create lasting impact. Together, they are not just shaping dancers but also fostering leaders and change-makers who embody the transformative power of the arts.

“In a city where people of color comprise nearly 70% of the population, there is tremendous opportunity to engage communities that have been disengaged with the city’s fine arts offerings,” Franklin said, “As we grow, we believe that Collage’s mission and vision can continue to make a positive impact in this area.”

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