(Highlights from Last Years Summit)
The Black Art Empowerment Summit is back—bigger, bolder, and more transformative than ever.
This one-of-a-kind summit is where art, culture, and purpose convene. Join us for a powerful day of conversations, connection, and creativity as we bring together leading artists, collectors, curators, and cultural taste makers.
Through curated panels, empowering conversations and immersive experiences, the summit unpacks the business of art, explores the future of collecting, and uplifts the creative voices shaping our visual legacy today.
Whether you're a seasoned collector, emerging artist, or simply art-curious—this is where inspiration meets action.
Hosted by Art Melanated and NICECROWD, the Summit is more than an event, it’s a movement.
Held in Los Angeles during one of the city’s most dynamic art seasons, this is your chance to network with thought leaders, discover emerging talent, and be part of a growing community committed to amplifying Black artistry and ownership.
Tickets include access to all panels, welcome breakfast and networking lunch, all designed to move the culture forward.
Don’t miss this unforgettable day of art, culture, and connection.
Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026
The London West Hollywood at Beverly Hills
1020 N San Vicente Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069
SESSIONS:
Session 1: 9:15 - 10:15AM
New Rules, New Rooms: How Curators are Expanding Access & Visibility
A dynamic conversation on how curators and art dealers are building new platforms, forging strategic partnerships, and expanding access for artists. From art fairs to brand collaborations, discover how visibility and opportunity are being redefined.
Panelists:
Anwarri Musa (Art Advisor, Board of Trustee Queens Museum)
Tanya Weddemire (Founder / CEO Tanya Weddemire Gallery)
Terrell Tilford (Founder & Creative Director, Band of Vices)
Moderator:
Moriah Alise (Founder, Dear Glory Curator & Art Market Strategist)
Session 2: 10:45 - 11:45 AM
HOLLYWOOD AFRICANS: Two Decades of Audacity, a dialog between Dr. Fahamu Pecou and Hebru Brantley
“Hollywood Africans: Two Decades of Audacity” brings together Dr. Fahamu Pecou and Hebru Brantley in a bold reflection on their parallel journeys from studio mates in Atlanta to globally recognized artists. Together, they discuss defying convention, navigating marginalization, and building careers rooted in audacity, authenticity, and creative self-determination.
In conversation:
Dr. Fahamu Pecou and Hebru Brantley
Session 3: 12:05 - 1:00PM
Guardians of History: Shaping Narratives in Museums
Museums are not neutral spaces — they are active architects of memory. In this dynamic discussion, curators reflect on the power and responsibility of shaping narratives, preserving cultural heritage, and guiding public understanding in an evolving global landscape.
Panelists:
Dr. LeRonn Brooks (Curator, Getty Research Institute)
Monetta White (CEO & Executive Director, Museum of African Diaspora)
Dr. Teddy RaShaan (Curator, Smithsonian National Museum)
Moderator:
Ed Gordon (President, Ed Gordon Media)
Session 4: 2:30 - 3:30PM
Reimagining the Art World Through a New Lens
In an intimate fireside chat, renowned collectors Janine Sherman Barrois and George Fatheree reflect on the landmark restitution of several vessels by enslaved potter David Drake. Together, they explore the evolving role of collectors as cultural stewards — from acquisition to accountability — and how private ownership can become a pathway toward institutional repair, museum partnership, and lasting historical impact.
In conversation:
Janine Sherman Barrois and George Fatheree
Session 5: 3:45 - 4:45PM
A Family Affair: The Kinsey Collection at 20
Celebrating two decades of stewardship, this conversation offers an intimate look at how the Kinsey family built one of the most significant private collections of African American art and historical artifacts. Reflecting on legacy, intention, and intergenerational impact, they share how collecting became an act of agency, and how that commitment continues to shape cultural preservation and public access today.
A limited book signing with the Kinsey family will follow the session. Copies will be available on site.
In conversation:
Bernard, Shirley and Khalil Kinsey
SUMMIT TICKETS INCLUDE:
PRE PARTY
FOUNDERS TOAST | Feb 27 | 6p - 9p
1 Hotel West Hollywood
SUMMIT
SUMMIT DAY PASS | Feb 28 | 9a - 5p
London West Hollywood
POST PARTY
POST PARTY | Feb 28 | 6p - 9p
Private Location
PLACES TO STAY
1 Hotel
8490 Sunset Blvd | West Hollywood | 90069
Located on Sunset Strip with sweeping views of LA, 1 Hotel is a five-star West Hollywood hotel offering a sustainable, pet-friendly luxury stay.
Book your stay at the 1 Hotel West Hollywood and enjoy the Art Melanated preferred rate the weekend of the summit.
The London West Hollywood at Beverly Hills
1020 N San Vicente Blvd., West Hollywood, CA 90069
Rooftop pool with panoramic LA views offers attentive poolside service. Spacious suites include balconies for spectacular city sunsets.
Return from nearby Sunset Boulevard to enjoy the complimentary gourmet breakfast buffet with hot and cold options.
The Aster
1717 Vine St, Los Angeles, CA 90028
Boutique hotel and members' club in Hollywood with rooftop dining, stylish suites, fitness facilities, and curated social events.
WHAT ARTISTS HAVE TO SAY
Kipkemoi
What stood out was how intentional everything at the Black Art Summit felt. Every panel, every conversation and every person in the room enriched and inspired me as an artist.
Penda Diakité
The Black Art Empowerment Summit was such an inspiring experience! The day was filled with motivating conversations that championed Black empowerment in the art world and brought together an incredible community of artists, collectors, gallerists, and professionals across all areas of the art world. If you love art and want to learn more or connect within the community, I highly recommend attending!
Floyd Strickland
The Art Melanated Black Art Empowerment Summit was a valuable experience and great opportunity to connect with fellow artists, collectors and industry professionals. Each panel offered thoughtful and insightful discussions. I'd highly recommend it to artists at any stage in their careers.
Kevin West
Attending the Art Melanated Art Summit in LA was an unforgettable experience. Traveling all the way from Indianapolis, I was blessed to connect with an inspiring community of artists, gallery owners, collectors and curators. The energy, creativity, and conversations opened up unexpected doors - leading to several art sales and an incredible opportunity to show my work on the West coast. It was truly a moment of growth, connection and purpose.
Rugiyatou Ylva Jallow
Attending the summit was an inspiring and enriching experience. As an artist, I gained valuable insights into often-overlooked aspects of the art world-such as art insurance-that had never been part of my previous conversations. The caliber of the panelists and the depth of the discussions were truly impressive, and I look forward to attending this event again.
Calvin Clausell Jr.
The Black Art Empowerment Summit truly is an empowering experience. Combining knowledge with creativity, I left with a greater understanding of the business of art, as well as the inspiration to head straight to my studio and create.
