Programs

By Any Means

By Any Means (BAM) is a signature program of A|L. BAM is a contemporary art series begun in 2015 that works to bring emerging and established Black art practitioners and critics together. BAM examines the significant influence of Black culture and art in society and aims to create a forum where artists, scholars, and writers share resources and knowledge, connect with the larger community of the art world, and ensure that Pittsburgh’s cultural institutions truly reflect the diversity of our city in their assets, stakeholders, and decision makers.

Slow Listening Sessions

Slow Listening Sessions (SLS) are educational and networking opportunities designed to bring emerging, mid-career, and established art professionals together. SLS will consist of virtual studio visits, art world conversations, health and wellness discussions, knowldege sharing and building, reading groups and meetups, professional development opportunities, and mixers. These invite-only events will provide intimate, supportive spaces for artists, scholars, and writers to build community with each other.

The Black Archive

ALMA|LEWIS has begun to collect books, articles, and ephemera relating to Black art and art history. This exciting archival project is in progress, with hundreds of items already collected, and A|L plans to build out a library space where scholars and art critics can come to sit and do research and study in our archive. A|L is also in discussions about the exciting possibility of making this archive available online.

The Exhibitions

ALMA|LEWIS will hold regular gallery exhibitions, in order to give emerging and mid-career artists the opportunity to present or perform their work for a larger audience. Each selected artist will receive:

• a $3,000 honorarium honoring the value of their work.
• shipping and insurance for their work.
• travel and lodging for events surrounding the exhibition.
• an exhibition publication featuring write-ups by curators and leading art writers.
• a range of professional development and public engagement opportunities.

Artist Residency

ALMA|LEWIS offers artists dedicated time and space for research, experimentation, and critical reflection on the creative process. During a three-month residency, each artist has opportunities to engage with arts professionals, partner arts organizations, and others in the community.

The selected artist will receive:

• A private studio for three months and housing if you live out-of-the region
• A $15,000 honorarium
• A $3,000 stipend towards supplies, materials, food and transportation
• A range of professional development and public engagement opportunities