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James Baldwin Legacy Awards Event

The National Black Justice Collective (NBJC) will host the 6th annual James Baldwin Legacy Awards on October 1st live on NBJC’s website, YouTube & social media platforms. This year’s honorees include Dr. Theo Hodge, Medical Director of Washington Health Institute & a board-certified internist & infectious disease specialist whose work has advanced HIV/AIDS treatment & prevention, hepatitis C care & LGBTQ+ health. Next is Vincent Holmes who capped a 35-year career in public policy as the inaugural Director of the Los Angeles County Department of Youth Development where his leadership included the County’s My Brother’s Keeper Initiative & Gang Violence Reduction strategy. Also Dr. David J. Malebranche a physician, researcher, educator, & public health leader with more than 2 decades of experience in HIV care & prevention, academic medicine & health equity. Then George B. Walker will be honored as a longtime nonprofit & philanthropic leader whose career has included senior roles advancing equity & inclusion at Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, the Human Rights Campaign, the American Constitution Society & the LGBTQ+ Victory Fund. Concluding with Emil Wilbekin the founder & CEO of Native Son a movement, community & platform created to amplify the voices & visibility of Black gay men. Dr. David J. Johns, CEO & Executive Director of the NBJC stated, “The James Baldwin Legacy Awards are an opportunity to give these leaders their flowers while they are here to receive them, to preserve the lessons & stories that have shaped their lives & to ensure younger generations understand the leaders who built the foundation upon which we continue to advance.”
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Tyler Clementi Foundation Event

The Tyler Clementi Foundation is presenting an Upstanders fundraising event on Thursday October 1st at CAMP Rehoboth in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware from 6P to 7:30P. The Tyler Clementi Foundation was established in 2011 by Jane Clementi & Joseph Clementi to honor their son Tyler Clementi a Rutgers University student who died by suicide in 2010 after being targeted by cyberbullying. This fabulous national non-profit org is dedicated to ending online & offline bullying & harassment in schools, workplaces & faith communities. This event will feature more about the mission of the Tyler Clementi Foundation with remarks from Tyler's mom Jane Clementi & Delaware Congresswoman & LGBTQ activist Rep. Sarah McBride kicking off National Coming Out Month & LGBTQ History Month. McBride is the U.S. Representative for Delaware's at-large congressional district who took office in January 2025 as the first openly transgender member of the United States Congress. Jane Clementi stated, “To kickoff National Coming Out Month please join us at Upstanders for Pride a fundraiser in support of the Tyler Clementi Foundation at CAMP Rehoboth in Delaware! If you are unable to attend please consider making a donation to support the work of the Tyler Clementi Foundation to end online & offline bullying & harassment in schools, workplaces & faith communities.” The host committee for this event include Collin Martin, Chris Beagle & Eric Engelhart, Chris Rouchard, Rick Perry, David Herchik & Richard Looman. The Tyler Clementi Foundation is dedicated to creating a safe environment for all individuals to thrive. Tickets are $50. 
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Equality Forum To Honor Anthony Fauci

Dr. Anthony Fauci the former Director of the National Institute of Allergy & Infectious Diseases will be honored with Equality Forum’s International Role Model Award at the Independence Visitor Center in Philadelphia on September 27th. Fauci worked for more than half a century in biomedical research & national public health. He also served for 38 years through 7 presidential administrations as the director of the National Institute of Allergy & Infectious Diseases (NIAID) effectively leading the institute’s fight to prevent, diagnose & treat many of the greatest challenges to global public health including HIV/AIDS, COVID-19, tuberculosis, malaria, Zika & Ebola. In December 2022 he transitioned to academia where he currently serves as a Distinguished University Professor in the Department of Medicine in the division of infectious diseases at Georgetown University & holds an appointment in the McCourt School of Public Policy. Peter Staley a pioneering American AIDS activist is presenting the award to Dr. Fauci. Staley is the founder of Treatment Action Group (TAG) & a cofounder & board member of PrEP4All. He’s prominently featured in the Oscar-nominated documentary “How to Survive a Plague” & is the author of “Never Silent: ACT UP & My Life in Activism." Also being honored is Erica Deuso Pennsylvania’s First Openly Transgender Mayor with the Frank Kameny Award. Presenting the award is Ben Garcia the first executive director of The American LGBTQ+ Museum. He is charged with leading the museum’s exhibition & program development, advocacy efforts, communications, community outreach & fundraising. This event is kicking off the 21st year of Equality Forum’s LGBT History Month. 
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Governor Whitmer Keynote Speaker

HRC announced Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer will be the keynote speaker at this year’s National Dinner in Washington, D.C. on Saturday September 26th at the Washington Hilton. Governor Whitmer stated, “I'm a proud mom of a gay daughter, so it is personal when politicians try to tell people who they can be or who they can love. In Michigan, we didn't just talk about equality, we wrote it into law. We expanded Elliott-Larsen so no one can be fired or evicted for who they are. None of that happened by accident & none of it is guaranteed. That's why I'm proud to stand with HRC to organize, turn out & win this November, because every right we've won is on the ballot.” Kelley Robinson HRC President concluded, “Governor Gretchen Whitmer exemplifies the kind of allyship our community needs in this moment. She is a proud parent of an LGBTQ+ child & a governor whose leadership & commitment to equality have advanced crucial civil rights protections for LGBTQ+ people in Michigan. We are thrilled to have her join us at this year’s National Dinner & look forward to hearing how we can take Michigan’s lessons to create safe & welcoming spaces across the country.” In addition HRC announced it will honor changemakers & LGBTQ allies & icons Marcia Gay Harden, André De Shields & Junior LaBeija at the event. Harden will receive the Ally for Equality award presented by actress & ally Camryn Manheim for being an outspoken ally for the LGBTQ community & using her platform to advocate for equality. DeShields & LaBeija will each be receiving HRC’s Legendary Visibility Award for their work expanding visibility on critical issues permanently shaping the culture & legacy of our community. 
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Obie Winning Theatre Group New Work

Celebrating 25 Years PlayCo the Obie Award-winning Off-Broadway theatre known for producing adventurous new work by international & U.S. artists presents “The Nicest Body Ever Seen Around These Parts” by esteemed Catalan playwright Josep Maria Miró October 7th to November 7th in NYC. The play translated by Sharon Feldman is the winner of the National Prize for Dramatic Literature the highest theatre honor in Spain. This liminal ferocious one-person play stars 2-time Obie Award-winner Rachel Crowl taking on the acrobatic task of channeling an entire town in Miró’s solo play. Kate Loewald, PlayCo Founding Producer stated, “PlayCo's relationship with Josep Maria began in 2023, when he was in residence with us to inaugurate our artist residency exchange partnership with Sala Beckett in Barcelona. We fell in love with this play & we are honored to be producing his U.S. debut. Mei Ann has been working with us to conceive of this production for over a year, putting together a kick-ass creative team & there is no more exciting person to perform this tour de force piece than Rachel. For all of us, the play speaks powerfully & beautifully to this moment & we can't wait to welcome audiences into the theatre to share it with us.” “The Nicest Body Ever Seen Around These Parts” creative team includes Jian Jung Scenic Design, Olivera Gajic Costume Design, Kate McGee Lighting Design & Avi Amon Original Compositions & Sound Design. PlayCo supports & collaborates with artists to generate a dynamic, uniquely international program of adventurous plays that celebrate the power of live theatre. 
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South Florida 2026 Film Festival Line Up

OUTshine Film Festival has unveiled its full film lineup for this year’s Fall Edition that runs October 15th to 25th in South Florida. This edition brings more than 20 new international, North American, East Coast & Florida premieres from 20 countries to Broward & Miami-Dade counties. Mark Gilbert, OUTSHINE Executive Director stated, “The joy of OUTshine has always been that we are a comfortable place to experience films together - to join old friends & make new ones. This fall, we’ve filled our OUTshine program with the brightest stars, the most talented international filmmakers & seasonal surprises designed to delight, chill & thrill. When our stories were being pushed off screens, out of libraries & off stages. Telling them wasn't just bold. It was necessary. For 28 years, we have kept the lights on for LGBTQ stories in South Florida & we will continue to stand strong, proud & united. We are not going anywhere.” Joe Bilancio, OUTshine Director of Programming concluded,“We are proud to return with another impressive festival featuring LGBTQ films that deserve the spotlight; films in a wide variety of genres – from dramas, to comedies to science fiction & beyond - that speak to our shared human experiences. We’re especially thrilled to showcase our local filmmakers & personal stories such as The Drive which document real people & real struggles in our own backyard. As South Florida is a true melting pot, we’re pleased offer creative & inspiring films that bridge cultural & generational divides. Bring your family. Bring your friends & join us in celebrating solidarity & belonging.” 
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 NewFest 38th New York Film Festival

NewFest announced the full lineup for the 38th edition of its annual New York Film Festival with 144 films including 29 narrative features, 9 documentary nonfiction features, 8 legacy retrospective features, 7 episodic series & 13 shorts program screenings with the full program featuring work from 23 countries. NewFest 38 will run in person from October 15th to 25th & stream virtually through their on-demand platform from October 15th to 30th. Lesli Klainberg, NewFest’s Interim Executive Director stated, “NewFest’s 38th edition underscores the festival’s unique role as a vital platform for the best in queer cinema bringing together acclaimed work from leading studios & distributors with bold discoveries & emerging voices that define the medium's future. This year’s lineup shows that LGBTQ+ stories are not on the margins of culture; they are among the most ambitious, artistically vital & anticipated films of the moment. We are proud to offer New York audiences the opportunity to experience these prestige titles alongside a rich program of daring independent work.” Nick McCarthy, NewFest Director of Programming concluded, “This year’s sterling slate bursts with bold creativity, prestige & civic-mindedness – reflecting the vibrancy & vastness of our community on a local & global scale. From the USA to Mexico to Nigeria to Nepal to Australia, NewFest38 honors the best in LGBTQIA+ film from around the world. We’re excited to amplify a selection of standouts from Cannes, highly anticipated titles fresh out of Telluride & TIFF & brilliant work from emerging artists premiering their films for the first time. We look forward to gathering audiences in conversation with filmmakers to generate connections, spark dialogue & celebrate deeply resonate stories that will endure far beyond.” For More Info…
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Rep. Ayanna Pressley To Be Honored

The National Black Justice Collective (NBJC) will honor Rep. Ayanna Pressley at its annual OUT On The Hill (OOTH) reception during the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s Annual Legislative Conference at the Human Rights Campaign Equality Forum in Washington, DC on September 17th from 6P to 9P. Congresswoman Pressley has been a leading congressional advocate for racial, economic, reparative, gender & LGBTQ justice. Her work includes advancing H.R. 40 which would establish a federal commission to study & develop reparations proposals for African Americans that introduces the first gender neutral reproductive health bill in Congress & the codification of mandatory equity plans & implementation for every federal agency. Dr. David J. Johns, CEO & Executive Director of the National Black Justice Collective stated, “OUT On The Hill has always been about ensuring Black LGBTQ+/same-gender loving people are not simply present in the rooms where decisions are made, but that our voices, experiences & leadership help shape what happens in them. This year, we are proud to honor leaders doing the work to move all of us closer to freedom. At a moment when so many of our hard-won rights are under attack, gathering in community, investing in the next generation of leaders & celebrating those who continue to push us forward is especially important.” This year’s honorees also include Baltimore Safe Haven’s Iya Dammons & Dr. Martens Foundation. The reception will feature NBJC’s Bayard Rustin-Pauli Murray Advocates for Justice Awards that honors leaders & orgs whose work embodies the legacies of Bayard Rustin & Rev. Dr. Pauli Murray & demonstrates an unwavering commitment to equity & liberation for Black LGBTQ people. 
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Out & Equal Annual Workplace Summit

Out & Equal’s 2026 Workplace Summit takes place in Seattle, Washington from October 12th to 15th. This annual event presents 4 days of sessions, workshops, community gatherings & networking designed for professionals advancing LGBTQ workplace inclusion. At this conference over 4,000 leaders across industries, geographies & functions will gather to advance what's next for our LGBTQ workplace. This is the opportunity to gain the tools to navigate today’s complexity from global policy shifts & next-gen talent readiness to the evolution of allyship & ERG strategy across 5 dynamic learning tracks with over 100 curated sessions & a full-day Leadership Lab. On October 13th Erin Uritus Out & Equal CEO will address the conference followed by keynote speakers. This year’s Summit keynote speakers include novelist, memoirist & bestselling author Elizabeth Gilbert, Chief Justice Earl Warren Professor of Constitutional Law at NYU School of Law & Director of the Meltzer Center for Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging Kenji Yoshino & public historian Amanda Timpson. There will also be more than 100 strategic sessions across 5 learning tracks delivering real-time learning for real-world complexity. For more than 2 decades the Out & Equal Workplace Summit has been the largest global gathering of the most committed senior leaders, ERG champions, HR & inclusion practitioners, changemakers & LGBTQ & ally professionals in workplace inclusion. In 2026 it arrives at exactly the moment orgs need it most. Out & Equal is the premier org working on LGBTQ workplace equality. Through their worldwide programs, Fortune 500 partnerships & annual Workplace Summit conference they help LGBTQ people thrive. 
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Spotlight Initiative Award Honorees

The Creative Coalition’s Spotlight Initiative Awards will take place Tuesday September 15th at PUNCH at Le Germain Hotel Toronto during the Toronto International Film Festival. The Spotlight Initiative Awards recognize artists whose work exemplifies excellence in independent & socially relevant storytelling. The 2026 honorees include Diego Luna (“Ashes,” premiering at TIFF, “Andor”), Cole Sprouse (“Vintage Violence,” premiering at TIFF, “Riverdale”), Adam Arkin (“American Hostage,” premiering at TIFF, “Chicago Hope”) & Ira Sachs (“The Man I Love,” premiering at TIFF, “Passages”). Robin Bronk, CEO of The Creative Coalition stated, “This year’s honorees embody exactly what the Spotlight Initiative was created to celebrate — artists whose extraordinary work reminds us of the power of storytelling not only to entertain, but to challenge assumptions, illuminate lives beyond our own & deepen our understanding of one another. We are proud to recognize artists who take risks, defy expectations & create bold, fearless work that expands our perspective & moves our culture forward.” Past Spotlight Initiative honorees have included Alan Arkin, Kathy Bates, Paul Bettany, Jennifer Connelly, Lee Daniels, Jonathan Demme, Vera Farmiga, Whoopi Goldberg, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Dustin Hoffman, Jeremy Irons, Anna Kendrick, William H. Macy, Alfred Molina, Demi Moore, Sean Penn, Parker Posey, Jonathan Pryce, Quentin Tarantino, Stanley Tucci, Robin Williams, Shailene Woodley & other distinguished members of the creative community. Founded in 1989 by members of the creative community The Creative Coalition educates, mobilizes & activates artists & entertainment industry leaders on issues of public importance through public service campaigns, advocacy initiatives & direct engagement with policymakers. 
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America 25 Years After 9/11 (VIDEO)

America continues to provide a roller coaster ride for its citizens & beyond since the attacks on September 11th 2001. As we commemorate the milestone 25th anniversary of 9/11 everyone who remembers that day has a story to tell. Where they were when it happened as our entire country went into shock. For the weeks to follow we were united in our grief. As celebrations are planned & taking place across the nation we are reminded to honor the diversity of people & communities affected by the attacks including those in our LGBTQ community. Tom Ryan was a retired New York City firefighter who upon hearing of the attacks on World Trade Center called his firehouse & rushed to the scene. At the time Tom was the only openly gay firefighter in the FDNY. Father Mychal Judge was the gay Catholic priest who was killed by debris from the collapsing World Trade Center as he was caring for victims. Father Judge, 68, was a chaplain at the New York Fire Department & was known in the New York LGBTQ community for his work with AIDS outreach. Tom Ryan was a pallbearer at his funeral at St. Francis of Assisi Church where he resided brought over 2,000 people. In the West Village neighborhood of Manhattan next door to the now closed St. Vincent’s hospital our LGBTQ Community Center offered immediate assistance to survivors & later counseling services for those grieving. In 2002 I produced & directed this music video tribute dedicated to those who perished on September 11th 2001. Michael Feinstein performs Leonard Bernstein & Stephen Sondheim's "Somewhere" from "West Side Story" with Keith Lockhart & the Boston Pops. 25 Years Later... Let's Take a Moment to Reflect....
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Spirit of Justice Award Vanita Gupta

GLAD Law announced that civil rights champion Vanita Gupta will receive the Spirit of Justice Award at the 27th annual Spirit of Justice Award Dinner in Boston on November 6th. The Spirit of Justice Award recognizes individuals whose courage, vision & impact embody the fight for justice. Gupta has shaped U.S. civil rights law & policy, secured justice for the most vulnerable & continues to provide prescient leadership to advance equality & protect democracy. Ricardo Martinez, GLAD Law’s Executive Director stated, “Whether securing justice for the wrongfully convicted, holding police departments accountable, or advancing the rights of LGBTQ+ people at the highest levels of government, Vanita has repeatedly demonstrated what it means to use the law as it was intended: as a shield for the defenseless and a sword against injustice. That is the spirit of justice we are proud to honor. Vanita’s work reflects a deep dedication to advancing equality for marginalized people & it’s a privilege for GLAD Law to recognize her transformative contributions to LGBTQ+ rights & broader civil liberties.” Gupta first served at DOJ under President Obama leading the Civil Rights Division from 2014-2017 & overseeing major work on policing reform. She then served as Associate Attorney General from 2021-2024 becoming the first woman of color to hold the position. Currently Gupta is the inaugural Director of the Center for Law & Public Trust & a Distinguished Scholar in Residence at NYU School of Law where her work focuses on reimagining & rebuilding institutions of American democracy. GLAD Law has been a leading force in LGBTQ rights for nearly 50 years. 
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Creative Coalition Humanitarian Awards

The Creative Coalition will honor John Stamos, Lisa Ann Walter, Simran Baidwan, Cara Buono, Famke Janssen & Mary Lou Belli at its 12th Annual Humanitarian Awards Dinner on Thursday September 10th at Verse LA in Toluca Lake, CA. This is one of Emmy Week’s signature gatherings co-chaired by the org’s President Tim Daly, Michael Chiklis & Michelle Chiklis with Variety Senior Culture & Events Editor Marc Malkin returning as host for the 14th consecutive year. The evening will bring together leaders from across the entertainment industry to celebrate individuals whose impact extends beyond their artistic achievements through advocacy, service, mentorship & philanthropy. Scheduled to attend are Tim Daly, John Stamos, Lisa Ann Walter, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Patrick Ball, Simran Baidwan, Michael Chiklis, Cara Buono, Famke Janssen, Mary Lou Belli, Bill Prady, Jessica Queller, Jeffrey Ross & more. There will be a special musical performance by The TCC Jam Band led by Michael Chiklis featuring John Stamos alongside Sharon Lawrence, Wayne Federman, Rob Morrow, Gina Belafonte, Laura Pallas, Doc Chard & others. This stella event honors entertainment industry leaders whose advocacy, service & philanthropic efforts have created meaningful change in communities across the country. Founded in 1989 by prominent members of the creative community the org is committed to educating, mobilizing & activating artists & leaders on issues of public importance. The Creative Coalition is the premier nonprofit nonpartisan 501(c)(3) advocacy org of the arts & entertainment industry. Humanitarian Awards Dinner’s proceeds support The Creative Coalition’s year-round advocacy on behalf of the arts, artists & freedom of creative expression. 
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New Hope Celebrates First Polo Event

New Hope Celebrates will welcome the Gay Polo League (GPL) to Bucks County for the 1st Pride Polo Event on Saturday September 12th at Tinicum Park Polo Club in Tinicum Township, PA. Set along the Delaware River in Erwinna the event will bring together world-class polo, colorful style & a shared commitment to LGBTQ visibility & inclusion. Chip McKenney, GLP Founder stated, “My initial goal was to encourage greater diversity & inclusion in the sport of Polo & now we have polo players, fans & allies who come from all over the world to participate. GPL is changing perceptions in the LGBTQ+ community, athletics & society at large, one chukker at a time.” Pride Polo is a family-friendly event providing a fun & welcoming atmosphere for everyone, celebrating community & the spirit of Pride while making a meaningful impact. In this Year of the Fire Horse every thrilling goal & galloping stride is a testament to the team of remarkable athletes both human & equine. Teams of 4 players each will take to the field, bringing skill, courage & heart as the horses bring speed, grace & an unshakable spirit creating the magic of polo. Gates open at noon with the first match at 1P & the 2nd match at 3P. Guests are encouraged to gather their friends, dress in polo-inspired attire or festive Pride fashion & experience an afternoon unlike any other in Bucks County. New Hope Celebrates (NHC) is a nonprofit org dedicated to celebrating & preserving the rich LGBTQ history, culture & community of New Hope, Pennsylvania & Lambertville, New Jersey. NHC works year-round to foster visibility & inclusivity while honoring the region's legacy as one of the nation's most welcoming LGBTQ destinations. 
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Ode To Feminist Icon Gloria Steinem

Very sad to hear about the passing of Gloria Steinem who I had the honor to work with during my career. In the 1970’s I was just starting out in television breaking the glass ceiling as the first woman audio engineer, camerawoman & editor at WCVB in Boston. At the time I was working on a feminist public affairs television show called “Your Place & Mine” produced by Eunice West. Eunice had one of the earliest all-women rock bands The Deadly Nightshade on who took me under their wing. When they were performing at Town Hall in NYC for Ms. Magazine’s 2nd Anniversary in 1974 Eunice invited me to fly down to attend the event stopping first at Ms. Magazine. There we met with Ms. editors who were more interested in me than Eunice which resulted in her abandoning me. Fortunately I was recused by Pam Brandt lead singer of the Nightshade & the band who took me home to Pam’s parents in Montclaire New Jersey & I flew home the next day. A few months later Gloria Steinem appeared on WCVB’s prime-time variety show “Good Evening, Good Morning” hosted by John Willis & Janet Langhart a spin-off of their highly popular morning program “Good Day!” that morphed into ABC’s “Good Morning America.” I was working the show so took the opportunity to approach Steinem to introduce myself to the feminist Icon. She then told me she had heard very good things about me from the Ms. editors I had previously met. I thanked her & left the studio momentarily to recover from the shock & awe that she knew who I was. Gloria & I worked together again in 1980 then lost touch. Rest In Power Gloria Steinem. (Image Christina Tarkoff)
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Modern Southern Art Contest Extended

The Gibbes Museum of Art established in 1858 in Charleston, SC announced the extension of their deadline to September 14th for artists to submit for the 1858 Prize for Contemporary Southern Art. The 1858 Prize is recognized as one of the leading artist competitions in the Southeastern United States & awards $10,000 each year to an artist whose work contributes to a new understanding of art in the South. Artists must reside, work in or be from Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia or West Virginia. Dr. H. Alexander Rich, Gibbes Museum of Art President & CEO stated, “Year in & out, the prestigious 1858 Prize for Contemporary Southern Art stands as a testament to & celebration of, the amazing talents of artists living & working in the American South. Since its origins in 1858, the Gibbes Museum has been a champion of groundbreaking art & the emerging & established artists whose diverse voices speak powerfully to the full breadth of the American experience and American creativity. Keeping with this legacy, 2026’s 1858 Prize candidates promise to posit new & eye-opening ways to reflect upon our individual & collective worlds & we cannot wait to be in awe once again of our region’s incredible artistic talent.” Since the inaugural prize of 2008 the 1858 Prize for Contemporary Southern Art recognizes the highest level of artistic achievement & welcomes applications from artists working across all media. Past winners have gone on to receive major national awards including the Guggenheim Memorial Foundation, the Joan Mitchell Fellowship, the United States Artist Fellowship & the Pollock-Krasner Foundation Grant. 
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James Baldwin Legacy Awards Event

The National Black Justice Collective (NBJC) will host the 6th annual James Baldwin Legacy Awards on October 1st live on NBJC’s website, You...

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