Calabar Gallery’s Six-Month Artist Residency at CoLab Arts

I am excited to announce that I have been selected for the Calabar Gallery’s Artist Residency at CoLab Arts, a prestigious six-month program dedicated to social justice and Black lives globally. This residency is specifically designed for emerging and mid-career Black artists who work with unconventional ideas, materials, and subject matter, conducting research-based work that addresses the global experiences of Black lives. As part of this program, I will engage with the New Brunswick community through socially impactful and innovative projects.

About the Social Justice Residency

This residency provides a unique platform for Black artists from around the world to explore critical social issues through their art. The program emphasizes research and pedagogy, encouraging artists to delve deeply into topics that matter to Black lives globally. For me, this residency represents an incredible opportunity to push the boundaries of my work, challenge norms, and contribute to conversations around race, identity, and social justice through creative expression.

Meet the Art Advisors

The residency is guided by an impressive panel of Art Advisors, who bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the program:

Jeanne Brasile, Director, Walsh Gallery, Seton Hall
Midair Yoshimoto, Professor of Art History and Gallery Director, New Jersey City University
Halima Taha, Curator, Art & Culture Strategist, and author of Collecting African American Art Works, NY
Elizabeth Keithline, Exhibitions Director, Woodstock Artists Association and Museum (WAAM), NY
Patricia Andrews-Keenane, Director, Pigment International, Art publication magazine, Chicago
Ito Otitigbe, Artist & MFA Deputy Chair, Brooklyn College’s Sculpture Dept.

These esteemed advisors will provide mentorship and guidance throughout the residency, helping to shape and refine the impact of my work on both a local and global scale.

About Calabar Gallery

Calabar Gallery has long been a champion for underserved artists, particularly those from African, African-American, and Caribbean backgrounds. Their mission is to provide a platform for community, exhibition, creative initiatives, and projects, empowering artists to explore their full creative potential. This residency is an extension of that mission, fostering an environment where artists like me can engage with critical social issues while pushing the boundaries of art.

I am deeply honored to be part of this program and look forward to the new ideas, connections, and creative breakthroughs it will bring.