The Pierre and Tana Matisse Foundation

With majority seed funding from the Pierre and Tana Matisse Foundation, Talanta Ensemble: Emerging Male Artists is Creative Outlet’s newest initiative, developed in direct response to the needs of the communities we serve.

​

Talanta is a 100% tuition-free, pre-professional arts development program for young men and non-binary youth of color from underserved New York City communities. Designed as a rigorous, year-round experience, the program combines technical training, mentorship, and leadership development to empower participants to cultivate excellence, cultural identity, and confidence through dance.

​

Named after the Swahili word for “talent,” Talanta addresses longstanding inequities that have limited access to the arts for young men of color, while actively redefining masculinity through artistic expression.

Each year, participants engage in approximately:

• 400 hours of technical training

• 10 performance opportunities

• 40 hours of mentorship

• 10 cultural excursions

• 1 travel experience 

​

Together, these experiences build a robust artistic resume grounded in professional practice and cultural understanding, preparing participants to emerge as skilled dancers and artistically driven leaders.