About The Slants Foundation
working at the intersection of arts & activism.
The Slants Foundation is a nonprofit organization that is dedicated to changing culture using arts and activism. We are working to amplify underrepresented voices, especially those within the Asian American community and those addressing controversial and timely issues through a social justice lens.
We believe in amplifying voices that challenge conventional thinking. By working at the intersection of arts and activism while partnering creators with grassroots organizations, we support the work of transforming systems. From our events to our grants, we hold equity, creativity, and justice at the center of what we do.
who we are AND WHERE WE CAME FROM.
The Slants Foundation was born from a First Amendment fight. When founder Simon Tam won a unanimous U.S. Supreme Court victory in Matal v. Tam (2017) — establishing that the government cannot restrict free expression based on the perceived offensiveness of a message — it affirmed a principle central to our work: that marginalized communities have the right to define themselves, tell their own stories, and be heard on their own terms. That conviction shapes everything we do, from the artists we fund to the civic programs we run. Free expression isn't just a legal concept for us — it's the foundation of why art matters.
In 2018, members of The Slants decided to expand their cultural work by using their platform, resources, and experience to better serve the community. The band recruited other AAPI artist-activists across the country to launch a bold new project to redefine what could be possible in philanthropy. Together, they launched The Slants Foundation. While some band members still volunteer to serve on the board, the organization today reflects a broader base of creatives across North America.
Initially, the focus was on funding and mentorship for artists. Through the Troublemaker Scholarship, unconventional artistic approaches to addressing social issues were funded.
As anti-Asian racism dramatically rose in 2020 while support for the arts waned, The Slants Foundation pivoted to fund artists who were countering hate with art. In addition, we launched multiple events and partnered with organizations to increase voter registration and stop AAPI hate. We also produced a new Asian American music video television show in partnership with AsianAmericanMovies.com.
In 2021, we helped launch the first music business conference designed specifically for artist-activists of Color, CPOC MUSIC.
In 2022, we debuted a new arts and activism television and radio show, Asian PaCIVICS, where artists receive funding and mentorship to work with community organizations.
THE FUTURE.
As we continue our work at the intersection of arts and activism, The Slants Foundation will use creativity and equity to continue to launch new programs, partner with artists and organizations, and shape our culture through the power of expression.
Civil Liberties & Free Expression