NGO Funding Request


The recipient entity's full legal name:  Art Heals, Inc.

The recipient entity's physical address:
           839 Kings Hwy, Ste 125 - Shreveport, LA 71104

The recipient entity's mailing address (if different):
           839 Kings Hwy, Ste 125 - Shreveport, LA 71104

Type of Entity (for instance, a nonprofit corporation):  Non-Profit Corporation

If the entity is a corporation, list the names of the incorporators:
          

The last four digits of the entity's taxpayer ID number:  2891

What is the dollar amount of the request?  $15,000

What type of request is this?  General Appropriation

Is this entity in good standing with the Secretary of State?  Yes

Provide the name of each member of the recipient entity's governing board and officers:
           Victoria Moore - 839 Kings Hwy, Ste 125 - Shreveport, LA 71104

Drayden Dunn - 839 Kings Hwy, Ste 125 - Shreveport, LA 71104

Brittney Dunn - 839 Kings Hwy, Ste 125 - Shreveport, LA 71104

Christin Reed - 839 Kings Hwy, Ste 125 - Shreveport, LA 71104

Ben Whalen - 839 Kings Hwy, Ste 125 - Shreveport, LA 71104


Provide a summary of the project or program:
           Art Heals, Inc. is a community-centered nonprofit dedicated to advancing access, equity, and economic opportunity within the arts. Its signature program, the ’art•ish Festival, is a multi-day cultural arts experience designed to uplift emerging and established creatives through intentional exposure, professional development, and direct-to-consumer sales opportunities. Now entering its sixth year, the 2026 ’art•ish Festival will take place June 13–14 at Riverview Hall in Shreveport, Louisiana, under the theme “Real Artists, Real Art.”

The festival serves as both a marketplace and a platform—bringing together visual artists, culinary creatives, filmmakers, and entrepreneurs in a curated environment that prioritizes representation, quality, and sustainability. Participating artists benefit from vendor opportunities, audience engagement, and revenue generation, while attendees experience a vibrant, immersive celebration of culture and creativity. To maintain a balanced and successful ecosystem, vendor categories are intentionally curated, allowing for equitable visibility and minimizing oversaturation.

In addition to its marketplace component, ’art•ish integrates the Thrive Series, an entrepreneurial development initiative designed to equip artists with the tools necessary to grow sustainable creative businesses. Through workshops and facilitated sessions, participants gain practical knowledge in branding, storytelling, digital presence, and financial readiness—ensuring they are prepared not only to showcase their work, but to scale it.

A key enhancement for 2026 is the introduction of a TV/Film Summit, presented in partnership with the Robinson Film Center. This addition reflects both community demand and the growing resurgence of independent Black filmmakers and content creators. The summit will provide aspiring and emerging talent with direct access to industry professionals through panel discussions, educational sessions, and networking opportunities. Topics will include navigating the film and television industry, defining success, and building sustainable careers behind and in front of the camera. This collaboration strengthens the festival’s interdisciplinary approach and expands its impact into film and media arts—areas that have historically lacked accessible entry points for underrepresented communities in the region.

Beyond the festival weekend, Art Heals remains committed to year-round community engagement through programming that supports youth, fosters creative expression, and builds pathways to professional opportunity. The organization’s work is rooted in the belief that art is both a cultural asset and an economic driver—capable of transforming individuals and communities alike.

Through ’art•ish, Art Heals continues to create intentional space where artists are not only seen, but supported—financially, professionally, and creatively—while contributing to the broader cultural and economic vitality of the Shreveport community.


What is the budget relative to the project for which funding is requested?:
          Salaries. . . . . . . . . . . . . $0
          Professional Services. . . $0
          Contracts . . . . . . . . . . . $10,000
          Acquisitions . . . . . . . . . $0
          Major Repairs . . . . . . . $0
          Operating Services. . . . $0
          Other Charges. . . . . . . $5,000

Does your organization have any outstanding audit issues or findings?  No

If 'Yes' is your organization working with the appropriate governmental agencies to resolve those issues or findings?
          Not Applicable

What is the entity's public purpose, sought to be achieved through the use of state monies?
          Art Heals, Inc. exists to serve the public by expanding access to the arts, supporting creative entrepreneurship, and strengthening the cultural and economic vitality of the community. Through its signature program, the ’art•ish Festival, the organization creates inclusive, high-quality platforms where artists—particularly those from historically underrepresented communities—can showcase their work, generate income, and build sustainable careers.

The use of state monies would directly support this public purpose by removing barriers to participation and increasing access for both artists and the broader community. Funding would allow Art Heals to subsidize vendor and participation costs, provide free or low-cost educational programming, and expand outreach efforts to ensure diverse community engagement. This includes youth exposure to the arts, professional development opportunities for emerging creatives, and accessible cultural experiences for residents and visitors alike.

Additionally, state support would enhance the festival’s capacity to serve as an economic driver. By attracting local and regional attendees, supporting small creative businesses, and increasing tourism activity, ’art•ish contributes to the local economy while reinvesting resources back into the community. The inclusion of the TV/Film Summit, in partnership with the Robinson Film Center, further advances workforce development by providing pathways into the film and media industry—an area of growing opportunity within Louisiana.

Ultimately, the public purpose of Art Heals is to cultivate a thriving, inclusive creative ecosystem that promotes economic mobility, cultural enrichment, and community connection. State investment would not only sustain this work but also scale its impact—ensuring that the arts remain accessible, equitable, and transformative for all.


What are the goals and objectives for achieving such purpose?
          Art Heals, Inc. has established clear goals and measurable objectives to advance its public purpose of expanding access to the arts, supporting creative entrepreneurship, and strengthening community and economic development through its ’art•ish Festival and year-round programming.

The primary goal is to increase equitable access to arts and cultural opportunities for artists and community members. To achieve this, Art Heals aims to host a two-day, high-quality arts festival that features a diverse range of creatives across visual art, culinary arts, and film. A key objective is to support a minimum number of participating artists and vendors by providing an accessible platform for showcasing and selling their work, while maintaining a curated environment that ensures visibility and success for each participant.

A second goal is to strengthen economic opportunities for creatives by fostering sustainable entrepreneurship. Objectives under this goal include increasing vendor revenue potential through high-attendance events, expanding marketing and promotional efforts to drive foot traffic, and providing business development resources through the Thrive Series. These workshops are designed to equip artists with practical skills in branding, storytelling, digital presence, and financial readiness—ensuring long-term viability beyond the festival.

Another critical goal is to expand workforce development and educational pathways within the arts, particularly in film and media. Through the introduction of the TV/Film Summit in partnership with the Robinson Film Center, Art Heals seeks to provide direct access to industry professionals, mentorship, and career insight. Objectives include hosting panel discussions, facilitating networking opportunities, and engaging youth and emerging creatives in meaningful exposure to film and television careers.

Art Heals also prioritizes community engagement and cultural enrichment as a core goal. Objectives include increasing attendance year over year, ensuring affordability and accessibility for attendees, and creating a welcoming, inclusive environment for individuals of all backgrounds. This includes intentional outreach to underserved populations and opportunities for youth participation and exposure to the arts.

Finally, a key organizational goal is sustainability and growth. Art Heals aims to expand its capacity to serve more artists and attendees in future years by securing strategic partnerships, increasing sponsorship and funding support, and exploring larger venues to accommodate growing demand.

Collectively, these goals and objectives ensure that Art Heals not only delivers a successful annual event, but also builds a lasting, inclusive creative ecosystem that drives cultural, educational, and economic impact within the community.


What is the proposed length of time estimated by the entity to accomplish the purpose?
           6 months

If any elected or appointed state official or an immediate family member of such an official is an officer, director, trustee, or employee of the recipient entity who receives compensation or holds any ownership interest therein:
     (a) If an elected or appointed state official, the name and address of the official and the office held by such person:
                 N/A
    
     (b) If an immediate family member of an elected or appointed state official, the name and address of such person; the name, address, and office of the official to whom the person is related; and the nature of the relationship:
                 N/A

     (c) The percentage of the official's or immediate family member's ownership interest in the recipient entity, if any:
                 N/A

     (d) The position, if any, held by the official or immediate family member in the recipient entity:
                  N/A

If the recipient entity has a contract with any elected or appointed state official or an immediate family member of such an official or with the state or any political subdivision of the state:
(a) If the contract is with an elected or appointed state official, provide the name and address of the official and the office held by such person: 
               N/A

(b) If the contract is with an immediate family member of an elected or appointed state official:
          Provide the name and address of such person:
               N/A

          Provide the name, address, and office of the official to whom the person is related:
                N/A

          What is the nature of the relationship?  N/A

(c) If the contract is with the state or a political subdivision of the state, provide the name and address of the state entity or political subdivision of the state:
                 N/A

(d) The nature of the contract, including a description of the goods or services provided or to be provided pursuant to the contract:
               N/A


Contact Information
name:  Drayden Dunn 
                                       address:  839 Kings Hwy, Ste. 125 - Shreveport, LA 71107
                                       phone:  8323185098
                                       fax: 
                                       e-mail:  admin@envisionmediateam.com
                                       relationship to entity:  Board Member