Program Overview

Studio KIN empowers urbanist ventures fostering more equitable and inclusive built environments grounded by years of research with subject-matter experts and community development founders. The application-based accelerator program equips non-profit and other entrepreneurs with tools, mentorship, and resources to lead culturally rooted, community-driven projects. Through a hybrid of virtual and in-person experiences, we offer a comprehensive program designed to accelerate organizational values, operations, and product/services to a select cohort of businesses.

Studio KIN improves public spaces by:

• Keeping cultural spaces alive: Projects help preserve and reactivate venues, rituals, public art and storytelling that would otherwise be marginalized or lost.
• Building local leadership and livelihoods: Founders and neighborhood leaders gain funding, mentorship, and visibility that can translate into sustainable projects and job opportunities.
• Increasing access to culturally-relevant places: More public programming and accessible amenities rooted in local culture.
• Shifting power: BlackSpace strengthens the infrastructure (networks, technical assistance, regulatory navigation) that lets residents shape planning and design decisions.