Art Works: Kensington 250

Founded in 2021 by Forman Arts Initiative and Philadelphia Foundation, Art Works is a joint $3 million grant program designed to support Philadelphia arts and cultural organizations and artists working in partnership with BIPOC and other underserved communities. Entering into 2026, FAI and PF are utilizing Art Works funding to support the rich arts ecosystem in Kensington, deepening its relationships with the neighborhood the institution now calls home.

Forman Arts Initiative (FAI) and Philadelphia Foundation (PF) are excited to launch Art Works Microgrants for Kensington250, a grant program benefiting creatives in the Kensington neighborhood and surrounding zip codes. An exciting year for the city of Philadelphia, the two organizations will contribute to the citywide celebration of the nation’s semiquicentennial through localized efforts in the River Wards section of Philadelphia, which is also the location of Forman Arts Initiative’s new home.

Art Works: Kensington 250 accepts applications from artists and/or creatives working in collaborative groups who are living or working in the following zip codes: 19122, 19125, 19132, 19133, 19134 and/or 19140.  Artists will have the opportunity to display or perform their work in the Kensington neighborhood in partnership with the Heart of Kensington Creates program and other neighborhood celebrations commemorating Philadelphia’s 250th. Artists can participate in this opportunity with new or existing work.  Grantees will be recommended by an Advisory Committee composed of FAI and PF staff, as well as Kensington stakeholders. FAI and PF will host an info-session and webinar for applicants on Tuesday, March 17 at 2 pm.  Register here:  Art Works 2026 Microgrants Webinar

• Microgrants ranging between $2,500 and $8,000 will be awarded to 10-15 individuals and/or collaborative groups.
• Chosen artists will be connected to Kensington-based community partners and organizations with the opportunity to present or perform their work during the summer of 2026. 
• The grant application for Art Works Kensington250 will be available at Zealous.co and open Friday, February 20, 2026 and close Tuesday, March 31, 2026. The application link is here:  Art Works 2026 Kensington250 Microgrants
• Selected artists will be announced in May.

You can view the information session presentation for Art Works Kensington250 Microgrants here.