Black Artists Archive Launches to Preserve Black Art Legacy
The Black Artists Archive, a pioneering institution dedicated to preserving and celebrating the richness of Black art history and visual culture, has officially launched with initial seed funding of $125,000 from The Terra Foundation for American Art. This significant funding will specifically be used for the preservation and archiving of portions of The Black Canon, a critical collection of works collected by James E. Wheeler.
The Black Artists Archive aims to create a space where the legacy of Black artists is not only recognized but actively preserved and shared with the world. The Black Canon is an integral part of that legacy, and the institution is committed to ensuring its accessibility for scholars, students, artists, and the public alike. Dr. Kelli Morgan, Founding Executive Director and CEO of the Black Artists Archive, emphasized the importance of this mission, stating, “Our mission is simple: to create a space where the legacy of Black artists is not only recognized but actively preserved and shared with the world.”
The Black Artists Archive is launching a series of programs to highlight Black artists and archiving traditions. These include the Black Curatorial Institute, which was launched in November 2024, Angles & Archives, a community dialogue series in partnership with Someday Gallery & Bakehouse, and various workshops, residencies, lectures, and exhibitions to engage diverse audiences with Black art and culture. In addition to these public-facing programs, the Black Artists Archives will work closely with institutions, scholars, and artists to ensure that the stories of Black artists—both past and present—are told with depth, accuracy, and reverence.
The Terra Foundation for American Art, established in 1978 with offices in Chicago and Paris, supports organizations and individuals locally and globally with the aim of fostering intercultural dialogues and encouraging transformative practices that expand narratives of American art. The foundation’s grant program, collection, and initiatives are designed to promote a broader understanding of American art and its global impact.
The Black Artists Archive’s commitment to preserving and celebrating Black art history aligns with the Terra Foundation’s mission to foster intercultural dialogues and expand narratives of American art. The initial seed funding from the Terra Foundation is a significant step towards realizing the Black Artists Archive’s vision of creating a comprehensive and accessible repository of Black art and culture.
The launch of the Black Artists Archive and its initial funding from the Terra Foundation underscore the importance of supporting and preserving Black art and culture. This initiative joins other efforts across the country aimed at promoting racial equity in arts funding and ensuring that Black artists and organizations have equal access to resources and opportunities. The Black Artists Archive’s mission to preserve and celebrate Black art history is a crucial step towards a more inclusive and equitable arts landscape.
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