Announcing the 2023 cohort of Philadelphia Fellowship for Black Artists!

On April 18 at 6:30 pm Mural Arts’ Philadelphia Fellowship for Black Artists welcomed its 4th cohort of Fellows at a reception held at Paradigm Gallery in Old City. The evening featured an exhibition of work by Black Artist Fellow alumnus Nazeer Sabree. The Fellowship program and the welcome reception was made possible by the support of TD Bank.

We are pleased to announce our 2023 cohort of Black Artist Fellows:

Tamia Alston-Ward, Odochi Akwani, Shawn Alleyne, Marian Bailey, Kendra Dandy, shanina dionna, Akira Gordon, Shakira Hunt, Jasmine Iynea, Jordan Payne, Dejeonge Reece, Jillian M Rock, Darryl Smith, Steven Tayllor, and Ayala Vazquez

This extraordinary Fellowship is a perfect example of our motto at mural arts: Beautify. Inspire. Empower. This fellowship program gives Philadelphia-based artists the opportunity to create work that beautifies our city and also has meaningful impacts. These artists inspire us all with their amazing vision and thought provoking artworks. And, of course, this fellowship empowers the artists to grow, expand their craft, collaborate and to make their voices heard. We are proud that this Fellowship has supported 55 Black Artists – now that is Empowerment!

The Fellowship for Black Artists is a crucial program that exemplifies our mission at Mural Arts. It is designed to fund, foster, and elevate the important work of Black artists of all mediums residing within Philadelphia. Through a seven-month program, Mural Arts’ Fellows will engage with a public art curriculum, including workshops on project planning, community engagement, mural design, and mural installation. Additionally, Fellows will have the opportunity to collaborate with community members and other artists. We need to keep supporting emerging artists! It’s critical. Just like Art is Essential.

“The essence of art is its ability to engage us fully. And what I mean by that is its ability to tap into our imagination, to challenge us, to make us more empathetic,” explains Mural Arts Executive Director Jane Golden. “It asks us sometimes to think differently. It can be our teacher; it helps us grieve; and it is like a flashlight helping us find hope in the face of darkness. And, finally, art helps us celebrate and acknowledge differences, and at the same time acknowledge our common humanity.”

Art demonstrates everyone’s right to be seen and heard. Art inspires actions around education, community and economic development. Art challenges and can push changes in social and government systems and inspire them to work more effectively and creatively. And it is essential that we continue to support the next generation of emerging artists in Philadelphia. We know there are great things to come!