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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SUSIE’S STEEL & SPIRIT
A Tribute to Susan T. King Presented at the Bearman Gallery | Frederick Douglass–Isaac Myers Museum July 9 – September 30, 2026 Curated by Kibibi Ajanku & The Black Art Today Foundation Sponsored by Living Classrooms Foundation She was called Susie as a child—a young girl from Kilmarnock, Virginia, born on July 13, 1924, who would grow into one of Baltimore’s most extraordinary women. After graduating from Frederick Douglass High School in 1942, Susie stepped directly into a nation at war. She
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Convergence
The Black Art Today Foundation is proud to present Convergence at Gallery B. This exhibition explores creative intersections where distinct artistic voices and mediums collide, moving beyond isolated objects to show how different philosophies elevate one another. Themes include The Shared Canvas, Harmony in Discord, Stylistic Collisions, and The Space Between. The exhibit features the artwork
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JUBILEE: Visions of Freedom & Joy
📅 SAVE THE DATE! Mark your calendars for an unforgettable Juneteenth weekend of art, history, and community. ✨ Neiman Marcus Tysons Galleria and The Black Art Today Foundation are proud to present JUBILEE: Visions of Freedom & Joy. Cover art features Juneteenth outfits by Zsudayka Nzinga. Honoring the 100th birthday of the “Grandmother of Juneteenth,”
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And Still We Rise
The Black Art Today Foundation in partnership with Maryland Comptroller Brooke Lierman presents: “And Still We Rise” Cover Art: Standing With Those Before Me by Marilyn Gates-Davis. As part of the Comptroller’s Art in Treasured Spaces Program, this powerful exhibition explores the transformative power of the BIPOC experience in America. Drawing inspiration from the Juneteenth
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Ascension
Ascension is a journey of transformation, a testament to the human spirit’s unwavering capacity to overcome obstacles and achieve greatness. This exhibition, featuring the works of BIOPIC artists, delves into the lives of individuals who have defied limitations, challenged norms, and ultimately ascended to leave an enduring legacy. Each artwork serves as a visual biography,
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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