Leeway Foundation Announces Spring 2016 Art and Change Grantees
31 women and trans artists and cultural producers receive project-based grants to further social change in the Delaware Valley
PHILADELPHIA – Today, the Leeway Foundation announced $66,985 in grants to 31 women and trans* artists and cultural producers in Greater Philadelphia, supporting their work to address a range of social change issues.
Leeway’s Art and Change Grant provides project-based funds of up to $2,500 to women and trans artists and cultural producers who: propose a project that impacts a larger group, audience or community; have financial need; and live in the Delaware Valley area. The grant supports artists practicing a variety of disciplines including performance, crafts and textiles, and visual arts.
The following 31 artists were awarded grants (in alphabetical order):
- Alisha Adams of Kensington, Perfomance and Literary Arts
- Ants on a Log of West Philadelphia, Music and Performance
- Beth A. Uzwiak and Laurian R. Bowles of Germantown, Media and Visual Arts
- Chaska Sofia of Southwest Philadelphia, Music and Visual Arts
- Donna Oblongata of West Philadelphia, Performance
- Gabriela Sanchez of Overbrook Farms, Music
- gina kathleen of West Philadelphia, Multi-Disciplinary
- Iris Devins of West Philadelphia, Media Arts
- Kate Black-Regan of West Philadelphia, Multi-Disciplinary
- Kathryn Pannepacker of Germantown, Crafts & Textiles
- Kristin Schwab and Laquanda Dobson of The Bottom, Folk Art
- M. Asli Dukan of West Philadelphia, Media Arts
- Maori Karmael Holmes of Spring Garden, Media Arts
- Marcelline Mandeng and Zubeyda Muzeyyen of Lawncrest, Multi-Disciplinary
- Mari Morales-Williams of Hunting Park, Multi-Disciplinary
- Maria Khristina Acosta of Garden Court, Literary Arts
- Marion Bell of West Philadelphia, Literary Arts
- Mary DeWitt of Media, Visual and Media Arts
- Misty Sol of West Philadelphia, Multi-Disciplinary
- Rachel Zolf of South Philadelphia, Literary Arts
- Ras Mashramani of Cedar Park, Literary Arts
- Sarah Mueller of Brewerytown, Media Arts
- Shira Walinsky of Fairmount, Media Arts
- Sonja Claxton of University City, Media Arts
- Tristan Powell of Furlong, Media Arts and Performance
- Viji Rao of Northeast Philadelphia, Folk Art
- Vashti DuBois of Germantown, Multi-Disciplinary
​Art and Change Grants are distributed twice a year and evaluated by an independent peer review panel. The March 2016 review panel consisted of playwright and devised theater maker MJ Kaufman (ACG ‘13), educator and community organizer Rochelle Nichols-Solomon, and folklorist and curator Selina Morales.
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. The next Art and Change Grant deadline is August 1, 2016.
Press inquiries and photo requests should be directed to Denise Beek at (215) 545-4078, ext. 14 or dbeek@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.
ABOUT LEEWAY
The Leeway Foundation supports women and transgender 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 www.leeway.org.
