FAI and Philadelphia Foundation will support Kensington-based artists with small grants ranging from $2,500 to $8,000

Philadelphia, PA, February 23, 2026 – 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 semiquincentennial through localized efforts in the River Wards section of Philadelphia, which is also the location of Forman Arts Initiative’s new home.

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 Art Works 2026 Kensington250 Microgrants opening  Friday, February 20, 2026 closing Tuesday, March 31, 2026. Selected artists will be announced in May of this year.

Founded in 2021, Art Works is a joint $3 million grant program designed to support local Philadelphia artists and arts and cultural organizations working in partnership with Black, Brown, Indigenous and traditionally 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.

“Philadelphia’s 250th is a milestone that belongs to everyone including the artists and creatives in Kensington who have long been the heartbeat of this neighborhood, said Pedro A. Ramos, President and CEO, Philadelphia Foundation. “Through Art Works Kensington250, Philadelphia Foundation and Forman Arts Initiative are making a deliberate choice to channel the energy of this historic celebration into one of our city’s most vibrant and resilient communities. These microgrants aren’t just an investment in art; they’re an investment in place, in people, and in the kind of storytelling that reminds us of who we are and who we can become. We’re proud to continue our partnership with FAI and to see the Art Works program deepen its roots right where FAI now calls home.”

“As Philadelphia is often known as the “city of neighborhoods”, it’s exciting to once again work with the Philadelphia Foundation to support local artists and creatives who truly make our neighborhoods come alive. I sincerely hope this opportunity will shine a light on new and underrecognized artistic voices here in Philadelphia.” said Marcellus Armstrong, Director of Programming, Forman Arts Initiative.

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 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 17at 2 pm, prior to the deadline.  Please register here: Art Works 2026 Microgrants Webinar

About Forman Arts Initiative
Forman Arts Initiative (FAI) is dedicated to supporting community-based arts and creativity in Philadelphia through programming, convening, and advocacy. FAI serves as a platform to connect, mentor, and support artists and organizations around Philadelphia to deepen and to grow the rich cultural heritage of Philadelphia’s communities. For more information, visit formanartsinitiative.org.

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 test.philafound.org.