*The original version of the story said the Philadelphia stop on Philadelphia Art Funds Art Tour would take place at 7 p.m. It has been rescheduled to 2 p.m.
Activist and musician Sean Desiree is taking a passion for the arts on the road to help queer and trans artists of color with the Art Funds Art Tour.
One concert at a time, Desiree, who identifies with they/them pronouns, will give a $500 art grant to one queer, trans person of color in each city during each city.
The Art Funds Art Tour is a concert series using music to support individual queer and trans artists of color in different communities.
Desiree is coming to Philadelphia and will perform at 2 p.m. Feb. 4 at the Art Dept. in Fishtown. The concert tour kicks off Feb. 2.
“I was just thinking based on things that would be helpful for me as an artist. There are not many opportunities for musicians to get support. I know $500 is not a lot but it is significant for an artist who is just starting out,” Desiree said.
Artists can use the grants in any way that will help sustain their artistic journey.
Desiree talked about giving back and using what they love to support someone else.
“I want it to be more than people coming to see me perform. For me, I don’t necessarily love performing all the time. It depends on the community and the audience, for sure. It makes me want to go visit cities and organized events in order to support people,” the musician said.
It is important to support each other, especially when it comes to funding the arts, Desiree added.
“We have to figure out other ways to sustain ourselves. It’s just an idea and I am hoping it is susceptible and other artists can do things for their shows.”
The recipient of the grant will be known during the Philly performance. Desiree collaborated with a handful of other people to choose the grant recipient.
“Who would it help the most? It’s difficult to choose who is worthy of some money but I just focus on someone who has a significant voice and doing something creative,” thet said.
Desiree has been performing for two years. The musician previously performed at the Brooklyn Museum and Andy Warhol Museum, as well as the University of Pittsburgh, Rutgers, Cornell, and Columbia.
“I always really loved it and making music comes pretty easy,” the musician said. “It’s the performance part that is harder. I had to force myself to be comfortable. For these shows, I feel like I’ll be surrounded by community members who care about queer and trans artists.”
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit artfundsarttour.com.