(Ocotber 7, 2019) - Today, the Leeway Foundation announced $55,000 in funding for 31 individual women, trans* and gender nonconforming artists and cultural producers in Greater Philadelphia, supporting their work to address a range of social change issues.
The fall 2019 cycle of grantees highlights a trend in cultural preservation from South Philadelphia to Norristown, Overbook to Port Richmond, and neighborhoods in between. They also showcase a powerful, intergenerational cross-section of artists, with grantees ranging from early-20s to mid-70s.
Leeway’s Art and Change Grant provides project-based funds of up to $2,500 to women and trans* and gender nonconforming artists and cultural producers who: propose a project that impacts a larger group, audience or community; have financial need; and live in the Greater Philadelphia region.
The Fall 2019 Art and Change grantees are (in alphabetical order by first name):
- Addye Durant (Port Fishington), Visual and Crafts & Textile Arts, $2,500
- Andrienne Palchick, Heidi Ratanavanich, Connie Yu (West Philadelphia), Visual Arts/Performance, $2,500
- Anissa Weinraub (West Philadelphia), Performance, $2,500
- Bea Joyner and Vernoca Michael (Northeast), Visual and Media Arts, $2,500
- Bethlehem the Vocussionist (West Mount Airy), Music & Performing Arts, $2,500
- Ebony Welch (South Philly), Visual & Media Arts, $2,500
- Emily Bate (West Philadelphia), Music & Performing Arts, $2,500
- Erica Hawkins (Rittenhouse Square), Media Arts, $2,500
- Gabriela Watson Burkett (Chestnut Hill), Media Arts, $2,500
- Heart Bryne and Eva Wŏ (West Philadelphia), Multidisciplinary Arts, $2,500
- Janielle Bryan (West Philadelphia), Media Arts, $2,500
- Jessica Markey Locklear (Hatfield), Multidisciplinary Arts, $2,500
- Julie Rainbow (Germantown), Media and Literary Arts, $2,500
- Katonya Mosley (Lower Moyamensing), Performing Arts, $2,500
- Las Artivistas de CCATE (King of Prussia), Multidisciplinary, $2,500
- Malika Parker (North Philadelphia), Crafts, Textiles & Performing Arts, $2,500
- Marcy Francis (Southwest Cedar Park), Music and Folk Arts, $2,500
- Nikki Brake-Sillá (West Philadelphia), Performing & Visual Arts, $2,500
- Pam Newman (Carol Park), Crafts, Textiles & Visual Arts, $2,500
- Sonrisa Rodriguez (Overbrook), Visual & Literary Arts, $2,500
- Stephanie Amma (East Mt. Airy), Folk & Music Arts, $2,500
- Wit Lopez (West Philadelphia), Multidisciplinary Arts, $2,500
Art and Change Grants are distributed twice a year and evaluated by an independent peer review panel. The Spring 2019 review panel consisted of cultural organizer Allison Budschalow (ACG ‘18), interdisciplinary artist Farrah Rahaman (ACG ‘18), and poet M. Nzadi Keita (ACG ‘14).
Applications are made available on the Leeway website and may also be obtained by calling (215) 545-4078 or emailing info@leeway.org. Potential applicants are encouraged to attend one of the many support sessions offered throughout the year or schedule an appointment with a staff member for one-on-one support.
Press inquiries and photo requests should be directed to Brittnie Knight (215) 545-4078 or bknight@leeway.org
ABOUT LEEWAY
The Leeway Foundation supports women, trans* and gender nonconforming artists and cultural producers working in communities at the intersection of art, culture, and social change. Through our grantmaking and other programs, we promote artistic expression that amplifies the voices of those on the margins, promotes sustainable and healthy communities, and works in the service of movements for economic and social justice. For more information about Leeway, its grant programs, grantees and events, visit leeway.org.
*We use the term “trans” in its most inclusive sense, as an umbrella term encompassing transsexual, transgender, genderqueer, Two-Spirit people, and more generally, anyone whose gender identity or gender expression is nonconforming and/or different from their gender assigned at birth.