Fifteen artists and collectives living or working in Kensington and the surrounding River Wards will receive grants ranging from $2,500 to $8,000, with new and existing work appearing in the neighborhood this summer as part of Philadelphia’s citywide 250th anniversary celebration.

Philadelphia, PA, July 27, 2026 — Forman Arts Initiative (FAI) and Philadelphia Foundation today announced the recipients of Art Works: Kensington 250 Microgrants, the newest phase of the two organizations’ long-running Art Works partnership. Fifteen artists and collaborative groups working in the Kensington neighborhood and surrounding zip codes will receive microgrants to present or perform new or existing work in the community this summer.

Founded in 2021 by FAI and Philadelphia Foundation, Art Works is a joint grant program designed to support Philadelphia arts and cultural organizations and artists working in partnership with BIPOC and other underserved communities. Over its original four-year run, the partnership awarded a combined $3 million in unrestricted grants to 39 artists and arts organizations across the city. Entering 2026, FAI and Philadelphia Foundation are directing the program’s remaining $60,000 toward Kensington, deepening FAI’s relationship with the neighborhood it will soon call home.

“Art Works has always been about walking alongside artists who are already doing the work of building community,” said Pedro A. Ramos, President and CEO of Philadelphia Foundation. “Five years into this partnership, we’ve seen what unrestricted support can unlock for an artist. From allowing the freedom to take a risk, to finally completing a project, this cohort carries the unique creative spirit of Kensington, a neighborhood that has shaped so much of Philadelphia’s story.”

Art Works: Kensington 250 accepted applications from artists and creatives, working individually or in collaborative groups, living or working in six zip codes: 19122, 19125, 19132, 19133, 19134, and 19140. Grantees will present or perform their work in Kensington in partnership with the Heart of Kensington Creates program and other neighborhood events marking Philadelphia’s semiquincentennial. Recommendations came from an Advisory Committee made up of FAI and Philadelphia Foundation staff alongside Kensington stakeholders.

Meet the 2026 Cohort

• Pedro Ospina (Artist Educator & Innovator)
• Alyssa Bigbee and Rebel Arts (Circus Arts)
• Nnamdi Ejim + Kensington CAPA Digital Media Production Program (Digital Media Production)
• Vanessa Vega (Visual Artist)
• John Zerbe (Muralist/Multidisciplinary Artist)
• Jean Ruiz (Multidisciplinary artist)
• Tina Ngo (Film curator, Programmer)
• Manuela Guillén (Visual Artist)
• Jaq Masters (Multidisciplinary Artist)
• Sara Trad (Filmmaker, Curator)
• Michael Wilson (Character Designer)
• Los Bomberos De La Calle (Cultural Practitioner)
• Aiyana Viviana (Visual Artist)
• Natasha Zet (Visual Artist)
• Richie Lopez (Textile artist)

About Forman Arts Initiative:

Forman Arts Initiative (FAI) is dedicated to supporting artists and cultural organizations in Philadelphia and expanding the role of art in local communities through programming, convenings, and advocacy. FAI is developing a 100,000-square-foot contemporary arts campus in Kensington, Philadelphia, opening in 2027. For more information, visit http://www.formanartsinitiative.org or find us on Instagram at @formanartsinitiative.

About Philadelphia Foundation:

Philadelphia Foundation is one of the country’s first publicly supported community foundations and the largest devoted to improving lives in Greater Philadelphia. For over a century, community members, civic and business sector leaders, and nonprofit organizations have turned to us for partnership and collaboration in responding to community needs and creating opportunities for impact. In our work as a civic catalyst, trusted partner, and strategic problem-solver, we seek to strengthen the economic, social, and civic vitality of the region. Our philosophy is that providing civic and community leadership is necessary for effective philanthropic leadership. For more information, visit www.philafound.org.