Video-sharing platform YouTube is inviting applications for its Black Voices Fund (BVF) Class of 2023, which will see successful creators receive funding, dedicated partner support, and an opportunity to participate in bespoke training workshops and networking programs.
The program is aimed at improving the quality of content uploaded on their channels.
Ideally, BVF seeks to recognize and equip black creators, artists, songwriters, and producers with the resources and support to enable them to thrive on YouTube.
It was started back in 2020.
Over the period, BVF has welcomed over 300 grantees from Australia, Brazil, Nigeria, South Africa, the United States, and Kenya, among them musicians, and beauty entrepreneurs, to mention a few.
Besides launching the multi-year commitment of KES 11 billion ($100M) for BVF, YouTube has partnered with community-based groups to build the Future Insiders program, specifically targeting over 180 at-risk and underprivileged students interested in a future in the music and creative professions.
Participants in the program take part in quarterly sessions that cover YouTube success, career routes, accessing talent and thought leaders, and well-being.
The 2021 Cohort included 133 grantees from Kenya, the United States,, the United Kingdom, Brazil, Australia, South Africa, and Nigeria, with 26 creators and artists from Africa.
The Class of 2022 had 4 Kenyans, including Wendy Angel Nangayo (Angel Lately), Justus Nandwa, and Cheyenne Chelimo, among 26 African YouTubers selected to join an international cohort of 135 content creators.
How To Apply
Interested parties can make their applications HERE.
The deadline for the application is on July 10.
Quotes
“The African creator community is filled with so many talented, brilliant, passionate, and driven creatives, and we are honoured to equip these talented creators and artists with additional resources to match their drive. At YouTube, we’ve always tried to facilitate the rise of diverse voices, all inclusive of gender and race. Through the Black Voices Fund, in the past two years we have been able to amplify the perspectives and experiences of these diverse creators,” says Alex Okosi, MD, YouTube Emerging Markets.
“Africa is overflowing with incredible talent. We are excited to discover the amazing creators the next round of applications will bring with it as we continue to invest in the amplification of Black creators,” concludes Mr. Okosi.
