The Beautiful Project

At The Beautiful Project, we have always been a haven for Black girls, gender-expansive youth, and women to unapologetically and boldly explore and advocate for their needs and dreams. In today’s polarized world, where harm and injustice feel ever-present, we know that something greater is required of us. Now, more than ever, we must protect and expand this dream house we’ve created—a space for humanity to flourish, to move beyond the current moment, and into a future where justice, healing, and unity lead the way. This holiday season, we are centering our efforts on what the world needs more of: young voices uplifted, courage amplified, and justice manifested. We envision a world that nurtures, values, and listens to Black voices—a world that encourages us all to have the hard conversations and do the work needed to build an inclusive and humane future. As a special offering, anyone who commits to giving a monthly gift of $25 or more, or a one-time gift of $150 or more, will receive a complimentary print from our 2024 "The (RE)CLAMATION Exhibition". Donate: https://lnkd.in/esCdr6yp

???Lead. Inspire. Transform.?The Beautiful Project is seeking a visionary Interim Executive Director to guide our community through an impactful 6 to 12-month transition. This isn’t just a job—it’s a chance to lead with purpose, energize our mission, and shape the future of our work. You’ll manage daily operations, spearhead fundraising efforts, and champion strategic growth alongside our dedicated Board, passionate staff, and incredible supporters. If you’re ready to make a lasting difference and drive meaningful change, we want to hear from you! ??? Applications are open until filled, with hopes of welcoming our new Interim ED by mid-January. Let’s build a brighter, bolder future together! https://lnkd.in/eaTUQqqP

???Lead. Inspire. Transform.?The Beautiful Project is seeking a visionary Interim Executive Director to guide our community through an impactful 6 to 12-month transition. This isn’t just a job—it’s a chance to lead with purpose, energize our mission, and shape the future of our work. You’ll manage daily operations, spearhead fundraising efforts, and champion strategic growth alongside our dedicated Board, passionate staff, and incredible supporters. If you’re ready to make a lasting difference and drive meaningful change, we want to hear from you! ??? Applications are open until filled, with hopes of welcoming our new Interim ED by mid-January. Let’s build a brighter, bolder future together! https://lnkd.in/eaTUQqqP

At The Beautiful Project, we have always been a haven for Black girls, gender-expansive youth, and women to unapologetically and boldly explore and advocate for their needs and dreams. In today’s polarized world, where harm and injustice feel ever-present, we know that something greater is required of us. Now, more than ever, we must protect and expand this dream house we’ve created—a space for humanity to flourish, to move beyond the current moment, and into a future where justice, healing, and unity lead the way. This holiday season, we are centering our efforts on what the world needs more of: young voices uplifted, courage amplified, and justice manifested. We envision a world that nurtures, values, and listens to Black voices—a world that encourages us all to have the hard conversations and do the work needed to build an inclusive and humane future. As a special offering, anyone who commits to giving a monthly gift of $25 or more, or a one-time gift of $150 or more, will receive a complimentary print from our 2024 "The (RE)CLAMATION Exhibition". Donate: https://lnkd.in/esCdr6yp

?? New Project Alert ???? We’re honored to share that we are one of 112 recipients (selected out of more than 4000 applicants) of an ArtsHERE grant! This new pilot program from the National Endowment for the Arts aims to strengthen organizations’ capacity for community engagement and boost arts participation for underserved groups and communities across the country. Our awarded project will support strategic planning activities, focusing on financial sustainability, organizational growth, and executive leadership transition to deepen The Beautiful Project's position as a regional hub for visual arts. ArtsHERE is an initiative of the?National Endowment for the Arts?in partnership with?South Arts?and in collaboration with the five other U.S. Regional Arts Organizations. Congratulations to all of the grantees across the country including our neighbors?NorthStar Church of the Arts?and?Southern Documentary Fund. Learn about all of the grantees at ArtsHERE.org #USRegionalArts?#USRAOs?#ArtsHERE

?? Exciting News! ?? I'm thrilled to share that applications are now open for "Nikki's Table: A Poetry Peer Learning Cohort", a new initiative I have the honor of creating and facilitating with The Beautiful Project. Nikki’s Table is a space designed to uplift Black women and nonbinary poets, providing them with the resources and community needed to complete and prepare their work for publication. Over the course of this intensive program, poets (ages 18-24) will receive: ? Granted fiscal support?? ? Peer guidance & collective learning?? ? Curated artist talks from incredible mentors?? ? The opportunity to self-publish as a collective through The Beautiful Project Journal? The cohort will also submit their work to other literary publications and build lasting connections with local poets of color. We are deeply committed to addressing the underrepresentation of Black writers in publishing, and this program is a vital step toward amplifying these voices. This program is made possible through an Equity in Verse Grant from the Poetry Foundation. ?? ?? Applications are open now and are due September 20, 2024, by 10 PM ET. Apply (https://lnkd.in/e33QuTEc) or share with poets who may be interested.

It’s Exhibition Season!!??? The Beautiful Project cordially invites you to experience the: “The (RE)CLAMATION Exhibition,” a youth-curated photography exhibit by our 2024 Arts & Activism Youth Apprentices. This exhibition explores photography as a tool for radical healing, inviting viewers to explore the reclamation of self through art as a way to confront harmful experiences, affirm your worth, and reclaim your power! Please join us on Friday, May 17th from 6-8 pm?during our Third Friday Opening & Artists Talk at The Durham Arts Council?in downtown Durham. This exhibition is made possible through the support of the Durham Arts Council and Tides. (RE)CLAMATION is part of the Durham Arts Council Exhibition Program, on display until July 6th at The Semans Gallery on 120 Morris St. in Durham, NC.

?? Embracing Art for Healing In our busy lives, stress and anxiety can often take center stage. But amidst the chaos, there is a sanctuary: Art. ??? For many, engaging in artistic activities provides a much-needed escape, allowing us to slow down, immerse ourselves in the present, and find inner peace. Whether it's painting, writing, music, or dance, art has a remarkable ability to soothe the soul and ease the mind. ????♀? ??? What's your go-to art form? Share your favorite creative outlet in our poll And if you're new to the world of art, select the form of art that intrigues you the most or which you are eager to explore. ??? Let's unite in embracing the therapeutic power of art as we journey towards emotional and mental healing. ????? #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth

The Beautiful Project engages art as a tool for radical wellness for Black girls, nonbinary youth, and women. Our art: -Reclaims our power ?? -Affirms our worth ?? -Disrupts harm ?? -Imagines new worlds ?? -Confronts injustice ??? -Advocates for change ?? -Liberates our people ?? Research indicates that Black youth are often less likely to receive treatment for depression, despite a rise in suicide attempts. And specifically for Black girls, issues of colorism, bullying, body shaming, lack of conflict resolution skills, depression, and LGBTQ+ issues more significantly impact their mental health. This #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth, we are highlighting how we use our art to support the mental wellness needs of Black girls, nonbinary youth, and women. We cannot wait to share more about our current happenings and lift up other helpful resources this month! In the meantime, check out our 2024 goals addressing that aim to create radical wellness for Black youth. ??

The Beautiful Project engages art as a tool for radical wellness for Black girls, nonbinary youth, and women. Our art: -Reclaims our power ?? -Affirms our worth ?? -Disrupts harm ?? -Imagines new worlds ?? -Confronts injustice ??? -Advocates for change ?? -Liberates our people ?? Research indicates that Black youth are often less likely to receive treatment for depression, despite a rise in suicide attempts. And specifically for Black girls, issues of colorism, bullying, body shaming, lack of conflict resolution skills, depression, and LGBTQ+ issues more significantly impact their mental health. This #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth, we are highlighting how we use our art to support the mental wellness needs of Black girls, nonbinary youth, and women. We cannot wait to share more about our current happenings and lift up other helpful resources this month! In the meantime, check out our 2024 goals addressing that aim to create radical wellness for Black youth. ??