(Highlights from This Years Summit)
The Black Art Empowerment Summit returned to Los Angeles this year for a sold-out gathering that brought together artists, collectors, curators, and cultural leaders from across the country for a powerful day of dialogue, connection, and community.
Hosted by Art Melanated and NICECROWD, the Summit continues to grow as a meaningful space where conversations around art, ownership, and cultural leadership come to life. Through curated panels, thought-provoking discussions, and moments of connection throughout the day, attendees explored the business of art, the future of collecting, and the creative voices shaping our visual legacy.
From the opening welcome to the final conversations of the day, the energy in the room reflected what this gathering has become: a community committed to learning, building, and moving the culture forward together.
Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026
Held in Los Angeles during one of the city’s most vibrant art moments, the Summit welcomed collectors, artists, and enthusiasts who traveled from across the country to be part of the experience. Between sessions, guests connected over breakfast and lunch, sparking conversations and relationships that continue well beyond the event itself.
If you missed this year’s gathering, we invite you to stay connected. Planning is already underway for next year’s Black Art Empowerment Summit, and it promises to be even more dynamic as this growing movement continues to expand.
Whether you're a seasoned collector, an emerging artist, or simply art-curious, the Summit is where inspiration meets action.
Join the Art Melanated community and be the first to hear about next year’s Summit announcement, early access tickets, and upcoming programming.
SESSIONS:
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)
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
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)
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
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
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.
Photos From the Summit
(What Attendees Have to Say)
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.