Forman Arts Initiative and Philadelphia Foundation Announce Opening of Grant Application Period for Art Works

Visual Arts

Forman Arts Initiative and Philadelphia Foundation 

Announce Opening of Grant Application Period for Art Works 

Increased artist awards, experiential workshops, and professional consulting services strengthen grant program in its second year

Philadelphia, PA –  Forman Arts Initiative (FAI) and Philadelphia Foundation today opened the second-year grant application window for Art Works – a $3 million grant program for community-based organizations and artists, designed to support arts, culture and creativity working in partnership with Black, Indigenous and people of color (BIPOC) and other under-served communities. Applications are available at philafound.org/artworks, and submissions are due by May 16th.

The 2021 cohort of two-year grantees includes:  

Organizations:  

  • Bearded Ladies Cabaret
  • Big Picture Alliance
  • BlackStar
  • Scribe Video Center
  • Twelve Gates Arts 

Artists:

  • Hagudeza Rullán Fantauzzi
  • José A. Ortiz-Pagán
  • Sabriaya Shipley
  • Tshay William

Building on a successful inaugural cohort of grantees, Art Works is once again accepting applications from local nonprofit (or fiscally sponsored) organizations with budgets between $250,000 and $5 million and individual artists with a commitment to incorporating community perspectives into their work.  

All grantees will benefit from experiential professional development workshops and pro bono professional consulting services designed to provide tactical and strategic support in the areas of legal, marketing and communications, as well as financial literacy – all geared towards building and enhancing capacity. In recognition of the significant role Art Works funding played for individual artists, award amounts will be increased this year from $10,000 to $25,000.  

“Following a compelling inaugural cohort, Jennifer and I look forward to supporting new grantees this year and deepening our commitment to community-based artists and organizations in Philadelphia,” said Michael Forman, Co-Founder of Forman Arts Initiative. “These artists and organizations are integral to the cultural fabric of our city and its neighborhoods. We are proud to continue our partnership with Philadelphia Foundation for the second year of Art Works grants and are excited to select this year’s recipients.”

In both categories, applicants must demonstrate their deep connection to and their track records of working with BIPOC and other under-resourced communities. Grantees will be selected by a committee composed of community advisors and FAI and Philadelphia Foundation principals and staff. The selection committee includes: 

  • Brittany Webb (Evelyn and Will Kaplan curator of Twentieth Century Art and the John Rhoden Collection, Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts)
  • Ellen Somekawa (Executive Director, Asian Americans United)
  • Erica F. Battle (John Alchin and Hal Marryatt Associate Curator of Contemporary Art, Philadelphia Museum of Art)
  • Jaime Frankfurt (Art Advisor)
  • Jennifer Rice (Co-Founder, Forman Arts Initiative)
  • Michael Forman (Co-Founder, Forman Arts Initiative)
  • Nasheli Ortiz González (Executive Director, Taller Puertorriqueño)
  • Odili Donald Odita (Artist)
  • Pedro A. Ramos (President and CEO, Philadelphia Foundation)
  • Sharon Hayes (Artist)
  • Thom Collins (Executive Director and President, The Barnes Foundation)

“Michael and Jennifer deserve credit for bringing their vision, leadership and art expertise to build a genuine partnership with artists and arts organizations that is rooted in equity and inclusion and reflective of the region’s diversity,” stated Pedro A. Ramos, President and CEO of Philadelphia Foundation. “Last year’s winners reflected the richness of the region’s diversity, and their impactful work continues to elevate community voices.” 

The Forman Arts Initiative will also continue to provide grantees with access to host co-operative education students from Drexel University to enhance their organizational effectiveness. These placements, administered by Drexel’s Lenfest Center for Cultural Partnerships, provide meaningful work experience in the arts and culture sector.

About Forman Arts Initiative:  The Forman Arts Initiative (FAI), founded by Michael Forman and Jennifer Rice, is an organization dedicated to supporting community-based arts and creativity in Philadelphia through programming, convening and advocacy. Over the coming years, FAI will serve as a platform to connect, mentor and support artists and organizations around Philadelphia to deepen and to grow the rich cultural heritage of Philadelphia’s communities. More FAI initiatives for the city will unfold in the coming months and years. For more information visit www.formanartsinitiative.org.

About Philadelphia Foundation:  Founded in 1918, Philadelphia Foundation strengthens the economic, social and civic vitality of Greater Philadelphia. Philadelphia Foundation grows effective philanthropic investment, connects individuals and institutions across sectors and geography, and advances civic initiatives through partnerships and collaboration. A publicly supported foundation, the Philadelphia Foundation manages more than 1,000 charitable funds established by its donors and makes over 1,000 grants and scholarship awards each year. To learn more visit www.philafound.org.

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