Patreon has created a new program to help underserved creatives get themselves and their ideas funded.
The creator-focused membership platform has announced Pull Up — an incubator to help creators of color not only gain access to capital but also resources and community to grow sustainable and profitable businesses — according to a press release. Anyone who identifies as a creator/ creative of color is able to join the community.
Pull Up is supported by and builds on experiences of some of the biggest creators of color driving culture today including Issa Rae’s HOORAE, Amanda Seales’ Smart Funny & Black, Durand Bernarr, Jade Novah, Nicole Cardoza, Tim Chantarungsu, Blair Imani and Tina Yu, and more.
“We are excited to be a part of Pull Up, powered by Patreon’s Creator Success team, who continue to be a champion for HOORAE on and off the platform,” said Issa Rae, creative partner for Pull Up powered by Patreon, according to the press release. “We share a core set of values in empowering creators of color with access and resources, so I’m thrilled my team and I get to be on this journey with the other creators in the initiative.”
The press release details that participants of the new program will have the opportunity to learn from the Pull Up Salon series, as well as connect online with the community on Discord.
“As a musician and creator of color, I know firsthand the challenges that many face when hustling to grow, perfect their craft and scale their businesses to be profitable,” said Hewan Abebe, Head of Creator Initiatives for the Patreon Creator Success team. “It’s these experiences that propelled me to develop Pull Up, and it is my hope that the program serves as a conduit for creators of color to retain ownership of their work, inspire community, and foster change to help generations coming up.”
On April 27, Pull Up is set to be further debuted at its launch event, Pull Up Late Night, which will feature D Smoke, Nicole Cardoza, and RTTV.
Editorial Note: This piece has been edited for clarity.
