OUR STORY
FROM STORYTELLERS TO ADVOCATES
Born in 2018 with a mission to amplify the voices of BIPOC artists, Black Art Today began by capturing their stories and journeys. Fueled by the vibrant pulse of African American culture in literature, visual arts, and performance, we became a platform for celebration, understanding, and connection.
But in 2022, our vision evolved. Recognizing the need for deeper impact, we transformed into The Black Art Today Foundation, a non-profit arts advocacy organization. We now channel our passion into empowering artists, amplifying their voices, and advocating for equitable access and representation in the arts.
Today, The Black Art Today Foundation is a beacon of creative empowerment and social change. We champion artistic excellence, nurture talent through grants and mentorship, and connect diverse audiences with the transformative power of Black art. Through exhibitions, conversations, and community engagement, we build bridges of understanding and foster a world where Black art thrives.
Your generous donations and purchases aid us in funding those services and opportunities and ultimately helps to preserve the African Diaspora’s Culture and History, through the arts. Please consider making a donation or volunteering your talent and time.
Thank you again for your continued support.
OUR MISSION
The Black Art Today Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public charity dedicated to nurturing and elevating amplify Black, Indigenous, and artists of color (BIPOC). Inspired by the Kwanzaa principle of Kuumba, we are committed to fostering creativity, innovation, and the celebration of the resilience and cultural richness of the diaspora. Through a variety of services and opportunities, we empower artists to reach their full potential, enrich our cultural landscape, and leave a lasting legacy.
The Black Art Today Foundation envisions a world where art created by artists of the African Diaspora is celebrated as an integral part of global culture. We strive to create a thriving ecosystem that empowers these artists, fosters community engagement, and ensures the enduring legacy of their artistic expression. Inspired by the principle of Kuumba, we are committed to building a vibrant and inclusive artistic community that shapes the future of the art world to ensure a lasting legacy that enriches communities and inspires future generations.
WHERE STORIES IGNITE ACTION, CREATIVITY INSPIRES JUSTICE, AND THE FUTURE OF ART SHINES BRIGHT WITH INCLUSIVITY AND EMPOWERMENT.
the black art today foundation
What’s Happening in BAT!
News & Updates from The Black Art Today Foundation
The digital pulse of The Black Art Today Foundation — a central hub dedicated to sharing the latest news, stories, and milestones from artists across the African Diaspora. This page serves as a living archive of our mission in action, offering visitors a front-row seat to the exhibitions, community initiatives, and creative conversations shaping the future of Black art.
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Bloodlines & Brushstrokes: A Digital Sanctuary for the Roots 50th Commemoration
Fifty years ago, Alex Haley’s Roots did more than tell a story; it remapped the psychic geography of the Black diaspora. It turned names into echoes and genealogy into a form of resistance. Today, as we prepare for the Exploring Kunta: Roots 50th Commemorative Experience, we find ourselves at the intersection of the past and the possible. We
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Registration is Open: Bloodlines & Brushstrokes Art Auction
Dear Community, We are thrilled to invite you to Bloodlines & Brushstrokes, the official online fundraising art auction in support of the Exploring Kunta: Roots 50th Commemorative Experience. This curated collection centers on artwork that speaks to lineage, memory, identity, and the living legacy of the Black diaspora. By participating, you are acquiring a unique piece of
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The Black Art Today Foundation Scholarship
The Black Art Today Foundation is proud to award two $1,000 scholarships to students pursuing an undergraduate degree in the visual, performing, or literary arts, including music, dance, and theater. This scholarship is designed to support emerging creatives as they continue their education and develop their artistic voice. Funds may be used toward tuition, books,
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The Harmony Maria Kilby-Neal Memorial Scholarship
“Try to be a rainbow in someone’s cloud.” — Maya Angelou The Black Art Today Foundation is profoundly honored to present the Harmony Maria Kilby-Neal Memorial Scholarship. This $1,000 award celebrates the beautiful life of an extraordinary young woman who transformed blank spaces into color and showed that the truest way to rise is by
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S&V and BATF presents Woven Legacies: A Centennial Celebration
Stem & Vine, in partnership with the Black Art Today Foundation presents “Woven Legacies: A Centennial Celebration of Black Expression,” at Stem & Vine (326 N Charles St, Baltimore, Maryland). This exhibition will be on view from February 1, 2026, to May 2, 2026. In honor of the 2026 Black History Month theme, “A Century of Black History Commemorations,” this exhibition
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Journey, A solo Exhibition by Erasto Curtis Matthews
In honor of Black Heritage & Culture Month, Neiman Marcus Tysons Galleria, in partnership with The Black Art Today Foundation, is proud to present “Journey,” a solo exhibition by multidisciplinary artist Erasto Curtis Matthews. This collection, juried by Dr. Sheila Wright, invites viewers to explore the richness, diversity, and excellence of Black artistry through an