The African Cultural Alliance of North America, Inc. (ACANA), in partnership with Brandywine Workshop and Archives, invites artists of the Black diaspora from the Greater Philadelphia region to apply for Africatown: Bridging the Gap, a two-year public art and community engagement initiative supported by the William Penn Foundation.

Rooted in the diverse cultural histories and lived experiences of Southwest Philadelphia, this initiative seeks to create meaningful connections among African American, African, and Caribbean communities through artistic expression, storytelling, and collective dialogue.

The project will explore themes of cultural identity, migration, community history, gentrification, displacement, belonging, and a shared vision for Africatown’s future.

Through public art, community conversations, traveling exhibitions, and the development of a permanent collection, Africatown: Bridging the Gap will celebrate the histories, experiences, and contributions of Black diasporic communities while creating opportunities for intergenerational and cross-cultural exchange.

Southwest Philadelphia is home to generations of residents whose histories, traditions, businesses, and cultural contributions have shaped the neighborhood’s identity.

Africatown reflects this rich cultural landscape and the ongoing efforts to recognize, preserve, and celebrate the community’s heritage while strengthening relationships across cultures and generations.

Bridging the Gap seeks to connect these histories and experiences, creating opportunities for residents and artists to explore what unites their communities, understand the challenges they share, and envision a collective future.

Four artists will be selected to create original artwork inspired by the histories, experiences, and evolving identity of Southwest Philadelphia’s Africatown community.

Each selected artist will receive a $7,500 honorarium.

Applications Open: November 1, 2026

Application Deadline: December 1, 2026

Artists Selected: Four

Honorarium: $7,500 per artist

Artists interested in applying should review the full eligibility requirements, project expectations, and submission guidelines provided by Brandywine Workshop and Archives.

View Application Details & Apply
https://brandywineworkshop.org/residencies/acana-residency-hosted-by-brandywine-workshop/

Africatown: Bridging the Gap is presented by the African Cultural Alliance of North America, Inc. (ACANA), in partnership with Brandywine Workshop and Archives, with support from the William Penn Foundation.