Diasporal Rhythms

Artists, this one’s for you.

We curated a definitive list of 10 grants, residencies, fellowships, and exhibition opportunities currently open for BIPOC visual artists—with a strong focus on Chicago organizations actively investing in artists right now, alongside a few opportunities across NYC, the Midwest, and beyond.

From unrestricted funding and solo exhibitions to residency programs built for experimentation and long-term growth, these are the kinds of resources that can open real doors for emerging and mid-career artists alike.

Whether you’re based in Chicago, building across the Midwest, or looking for opportunities nationally, apply anyway.

Swipe through for deadlines, funding details, and open calls worth your attention. Save this post for later and send it to an artist in your community.

Special thanks to the organizations continuing to create space for artists and culture:

ARC Gallery:
Hyde Park Art Center:
Chicago Artists Coalition:
Chicago Dancemakers Forum:
Threewalls:
The Laundromat Project:
Jerome Foundation:
Studio Museum in Harlem:
En Foco:
Black Artist Research Space:

Collecting isn’t just about acquisition. It’s about creating pathways to access.

Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys understand the assignment. In a recent conversation with ESSENCE, The Deans discussed taking their monumental Giants exhibition on the road and the intention behind its latest addition.

Swipe through to see how they’re expanding their footprint in San Diego. Beyond the main exhibition at MCASD, they acquired an entire local photography showcase in Barrio Logan, ensuring regional BIPOC artists are part of the conversation. As Alicia Keys noted, the goal is simple: make sure our culture is on the walls so the next generation can see their own greatness.

If you’re on the West Coast, Giants is on view now through August 9.

Want to go deeper? We host monthly studio visits and curated experiences to connect you directly with the culture. Become a Diasporal Rhythms member at the link in our bio.

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From memory to movement: Emmett at 85.

Diasporal Rhythms is proud to support From Memory to Movement, a group exhibition opening June 5 at in partnership with the Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley Institute.

Bringing together a powerful collective of artists and cultural voices, the exhibition reflects on the enduring impact of Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley through works rooted in history, remembrance, and contemporary expression. At a moment when preserving truth and legacy feels more urgent than ever, the show invites viewers into a deeper conversation around art, memory, and collective responsibility.

On view through July 19 at Blanc Gallery. We look forward to experiencing this important exhibition alongside the community.

An artist’s studio is more than a workspace, it’s a sanctuary.

On May 2nd, we had the privilege of stepping into the creative sanctuary of . While you can catch glimpses of his incredible work resting in the background, the conversation and the undeniable energy of his space is invaluable. Thank you, Jamiah, for opening your doors and sharing a piece of your world with us!

Want to be in the room where it happens? Join the movement.

From emerging artists to major exhibitions, Diasporal Rhythms members receive exclusive studio visits, early access, curated experiences, and more.

🔗 Hit the link in our bio to become a member today!

StudioVisit ContemporaryBlackArt SupportBlackArtists

Ready to talk legacy?

Art Smart is back! We’re moving beyond aesthetics to talk ownership, equity, and the true value of African American art. Don’t miss this curated conversation on the market with the collectors and creators leading the charge.

June 27th | 1:00 PM
Topic: The Business of Art
Location: The University of Chicago
915 E 60th St. Chicago, IL

Hosted by:
Oscar Bedolla ( Co-Founder)

Featuring:
Collector Sonia D. Spencer
Artist Paul Branton ()
Artist Makeba Kedem DuBose ( )
Artist Tony Smith

Black motherhood is a masterpiece of resilience, beauty, and boundless love.

This Mother’s Day, we celebrate this sacred bond through the eyes of the artists who capture it best. Spanning from the monumental work of Elizabeth Catlett to the striking contemporary visions of Njideka Akunyili Crosby and Amy Sherald, the African Diaspora continues to elevate and immortalize the matriarch.

Explore this curated visual journey into the essence of maternal devotion.

Happy Mother’s Day from Diasporal Rhythms! 🖤✨

“Art is everyone’s business.” — Oscar Bedolla⁠

Beyond aesthetics, collecting is about ownership, equity, and legacy. Art Smart returns to break down the business of African American art.

Please join us for a curated conversation on valuation, acquisition, and the market—featuring direct insights from the artists and collectors actively shaping the culture.

June 27th | 1:00 PM
Topic: The Business of Art
Location: The University of Chicago
915 E 60th St. Chicago, IL

Hosted by:
Oscar Bedolla ( Co-Founder)

Featuring:
Collector Sonia D. Spencer
Artist Paul Branton ()
Artist Makeba Kedem Dubose ( )
Artist Tony Smith

RSVP is live at the link in bio.

New York moves fast, but we brought our own rhythm.

Last month, Diasporal Rhythms took over NYC. We spent four days inside the studios and rooms of the African diaspora’s premier artists.

We moved from the Studio Museum in Harlem to MoCADA in Brooklyn. Sat with Sadaf Padder’s work at Sargent’s Daughters. Explored the Hemingway African Gallery and Richard Beavers Gallery with Kaima Marie Akarue and Tyreek Morrison.

The highlight? An exclusive invite into the home of Chicago film director Coodie Simmons to explore his private collection.

This is how we experience art.

Hit the link in our bio to become a member and join us today.

BlackArtists

“Art is everyone’s business.” — Oscar Bedolla⁠

Beyond aesthetics, collecting is about ownership, equity, and legacy. Art Smart returns to break down the business of African American art.

A curated conversation on valuation, acquisition, and the market—featuring direct insights from the artists and collectors actively shaping the culture.

June 27th | 1:00 PM
Topic: The Business of Art
Location: Logan Center for the Arts (The Screening Room)

Hosted by:
Oscar Bedolla ( Co-Founder)

Featuring:
Collector Sonia D. Spencer
Artist Paul Branton ()
Artist “Liz” Larue (.larue.7)
Artist Tony Smith

RSVP is live at the link in bio.

May is already in motion, and we’re back with Art Events For The Culture—our monthly guide to the artists, galleries, and exhibitions shaping how we experience Black art across the diaspora.

This month, we’re locking in on Chicago. These are the rooms, shows, and experiences that matter right now what every collector, creator, and culture lover needs on their radar.

Swipe through for the lineup & save the dates.

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2025 developed into more memorable and meaningful events centered around art of the African Diaspora. We explored Buffalo to visit museums and private studio visits. We curated and exhibition to uplift and educate on the collecting of photography. We hosted the inaugural Pigmented Art Faire which drew thousands of art lovers here in Chicago. As we forge ahead in 2026 we look forward to continuing to make an impact on community while cultivating and preserving culture. Cheers