What's new with the Philadelphia Fellowship for Black Artists

The Philadelphia Fellowship for Black Artists focuses on building essential pipelines for burgeoning art careers through mentorship, professional development, and long-term creative connections.

As one of its curators and first-year programmers, our role is to facilitate networking and programming that are essential to helping artists thrive in this city. We continually reassess how this city can continue to uplift and support them, ensuring that the fellowship remains a dynamic and beneficial experience for all involved.

What’s really amazing about this fellowship is that once you’re in, you continually remain a cohort. As I attend art functions and events throughout our city, I am always thrilled and surprised to see fellows from different years with one another, supporting one another, and collaborating with one another. I once read, “A tree, when it has no fruit to offer, remains erect. But when the tree is laden with fruit, it bends down.” It is precisely what this fellowship was meant to be: giving to others so they can go further.

This year, we’re taking some regional field trips to explore the arts and cultural institutions in the Greater Philadelphia region and learn how the growing shape of Philadelphia’s arts scene will play a central role in the development of artists here. For the first time in our fellowship, we’ll focus on creative wellness journeys. The nature of the art industry can contribute to anxiety and depression. We’re going to discuss how artists can protect their mental health.

Philadelphia has some work to do, for sure. Still, I’m confident it will continue to be a vibrant place for artists “if” we continue to form fellowships like this to clear roadblocks to provide access and a vernacular to growth. We want our artists to be a more integral part of the community that they are serving. We want our artists to stay in Philadelphia instead of feeling like they need to go elsewhere to make a name for themselves and to make a decent living.

This fellowship has a significant impact on the Philadelphia arts community. It not only supports artists but also enriches the city’s cultural landscape. How does this play out?

Each year, 15 fellows are chosen to participate in this exclusive year-long program, culminating in an annual group show at a prominent gallery space. This year, our exhibition will be held at Ubuntu Gallery in Germantown.

Fellows receive a generous stipend and early one-on-one professional development sessions to determine how best to grow and excel during their cohort year. This financial support is a testament to the commitment of our sponsor, TD Bank, who are dedicated to the success and well-being of our fellows.