*The Second Annual Black Art Empowerment Summit (BAES) is set to take place this Saturday, February 28, 2026, at The London West Hollywood, celebrating and elevating the work of Black artists, collectors, and art professionals. Produced by Art Melanated and NICE CROWD, the one-day event offers panels, networking opportunities, and a public exhibition designed to foster growth, connection, and equity within the art world.
Per the news release, The summit will feature five engaging panel discussions, a networking luncheon, and a public exhibition showcasing both emerging and established artists shaping today’s cultural landscape. Returning this year is the addition of the Emerging Artist Competition, which highlights up-and-coming talent from across the country.
Winners will receive national recognition, cash prizes, and the opportunity to have their work included in the summit’s public exhibition. The competition is supported by the Art in Black Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to uplifting artists throughout the African diaspora.
The panels include:
- New Rules, New Rooms: How Curators Are Expanding Access and Visibility, moderated by Moriah Alise, featuring Tanya Weddemire, Terrell Tilford, and Anwarii Musa.
- Hollywood Africans: Two Decades of Audacity, a fireside chat with Dr. Fahamu Pecou and Hebru Brantley reflecting on their journeys from Atlanta studio mates to internationally recognized artists.
- Guardians of History: Shaping Narratives in Museums, moderated by Ed Gordon with Monetta White, Dr. Teddy Rashaan, and Dr. LeRonn P. Brooks discussing museums as architects of cultural memory.
- Reimagining the Art World Through a New Lens, a fireside chat with collectors Janine Sherman Barrois and George Fatheree exploring cultural stewardship and restitution.
- A Family Affair: The Kinsey Collection at 20, featuring Bernard, Shirley, and Khalil Kinsey, reflecting on two decades of preserving African American art and history, followed by a book signing.
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Art Melanated, founded by Sol and Jennia Fredrique Aponte, and NICE CROWD, led by Nicole and Jeff Friday, aim to create an inclusive, impactful experience where artists, collectors, and audiences can connect and thrive. The summit underscores the importance of amplifying Black voices and advancing equity in the art world.
Tickets for this dynamic celebration of creativity and cultural empowerment are available here: Black Art Empowerment Summit 2026.
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