Seattle – The School of Art + Art History + Design has been approved for a $30,000 Grants for Arts Projects award from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) to support the Jacob Lawrence Legacy Residency. This project allows black artists to create and exhibit a new body of work exploring themes of the African diaspora at the Jacob Lawrence Gallery. The Jacob Lawrence Legacy Residency project is among 1,130 projects across the country, totaling more than $31 million, that were selected during this second round of Grants for Arts Projects fiscal year 2023 funding.
“The National Endowment for the Arts is pleased to support a wide range of projects, including the Jacob Lawrence Legacy Residency, demonstrating the many ways the arts enrich our lives and contribute to healthy and thriving communities,” said NEA Chair Maria Rosario Jackson, PhD. “These organizations play an important role in advancing the creative vitality of our nation and helping to ensure that all people can benefit from arts, culture, and design.”
Established in 2015, the Jacob Lawrence Legacy Residency invites Black artists at all stages of their careers to have a residency during the month of January to develop new work and an exhibition during the month of February, Black History Month. Previous Jacob Lawrence Legacy Residency awardees are HOWDOYOUSAYYAMINAFRICAN?, Steffani Jemison, C. Davida Ingram, Danny Giles, Marisa Williamson, Ariel René Jackson, and most recent Lauren Williams. Residents work closely with students, faculty, interns, the Director of the Gallery, and community partners to narrow the gap between practice, presentation, pedagogy, and reception.
The Jacob Lawrence Legacy Residency has become the signature program honoring Jacob Lawrence and further advancing the gallery’s mission. After a one year hiatus due to the Art building renovations, the School of Art + Art History + Design is proud to reinstate the residency in the new gallery space.
For more information on other projects included in the NEA grant announcement, visit arts.gov/news.