Leeway Foundation Announces Spring 2017 Art and Change Grantees

22 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 $47,500 in grants to 22 women and trans* artists and cultural producers in Greater Philadelphia, supporting their work to address a range of social change issues, from immigration and transgender justice to cultural preservation and environmental justice. 

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, visual arts, and literary arts.

The following 22 artists were awarded grants (in alphabetical order):

@Pormisjoyas of West Philadelphia, Folk Art

Alex Barrett and Kris Moore of University City, Literary and Visual Arts

Amber Emory of West Philadelphia, Performance and Literary Arts

Ana Guissel Palma of West Kensington, Crafts & Textiles and Visual Arts

Carman Spoto of Downingtown, Media Arts

Carolyn L. Payne of Chester, Multidisciplinary

Cassendre Xavier of University City, Multidisciplinary

Davy Knittle and Mel Bentley of Cedar Park and Allegheny West, Literary Arts and Crafts & Textiles

JBK of North Philadelphia, Visual Arts and Folk Art

Kara Crombie of East Kensington, Music and Performance

Kayleb Rae Candrilli of Point Breeze, Literary Arts and Performance

Leah Stein of South Philadelphia, Performance and Music

Li Sumpter of Walnut Hill, Multidisciplinary

Meg Lemieur and Bri Barton of Fishtown / Port Richmond and Norris Square, Visual Arts and Performance

Nkechi of Germantown, Multidisciplinary

Priscilla Anacakuyani of Grays Ferry, Visual Arts and Performance

Stephanie Amma of East Mount Airy, Folk Art and Music

Stephanie Yuhas of West End, Media Arts and Performance

Susan Lankin-Watts of Ardmore, Music

Art and Change Grants are distributed twice a year and evaluated by an independent peer review panel.  The Spring 2017 review panel consisted of arts administrator and nonprofit development professional Amanda Morales Pratt, vocalist and pianist Dena Underwood (ACG ‘16), and social research activist artist Julie Rainbow (LTA ‘16, ACG ‘14). 

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.

Download Spring 2017 Press Release, Infographic, Project Descriptions, and Panelist Bios