A Legacy Reimagined: Art, Advocacy, and the Future of Creative Expression
Two Decades of Artistic and Social Impact: Celebrating the Gordon Parks Foundation's Enduring Vision
The Gordon Parks Foundation is commemorating two decades of its impactful journey with a comprehensive series of events throughout the year. This special program encompasses a range of exhibitions, new publications, and various public engagements, all designed to emphasize the timeless relevance of Gordon Parks' artistic perspective and the Foundation's continuously evolving commitment to nurturing artists who operate at the confluence of artistic creation and social justice advocacy.
From Inception to Interdisciplinary Hub: The Foundation's Growth and Mission
Established in 2006 by Gordon Parks himself, alongside his long-time friend and editor from Life magazine, Philip B. Kunhardt, Jr., the Foundation was initially conceived to safeguard and promote Parks' diverse artistic heritage. This legacy included his significant contributions as a photographer, filmmaker, author, and musician. Over the past twenty years, the organization has blossomed into an expansive interdisciplinary platform, mirroring Parks' own conviction that art serves as a powerful catalyst for societal change and progress.
Announcing the 2026 Fellows and a New Era for Music in Parks' Legacy
A pivotal moment in this anniversary year is the unveiling of the Foundation's 2026 fellows. This includes not only the recipients of the Legacy Acquisition Fund and the winner of the annual Book Prize, but also a significant new initiative: the introduction of an inaugural fellowship dedicated to music. This addition profoundly acknowledges Parks' lifelong engagement with musical composition and sound, integrating his passion for music into the core of the Foundation's future endeavors.
Recognizing Excellence: The 2026 Gordon Parks Foundation Fellows in Art, Writing, and Music
The 2026 Gordon Parks Foundation Fellows in Art have been announced as Sanford Biggers and Amanda Williams, two distinguished artists whose work continues to push creative boundaries. The Genevieve Young Fellow in Writing for 2026 is Professor Leigh Raiford, a renowned scholar in African American and African Diaspora Studies at the University of California, Berkeley. Additionally, in a pioneering move, jazz pianist, composer, and performance artist Jason Moran has been named the inaugural recipient of the Gordon Parks Foundation Fellowship in Music, a testament to Parks' own deep musical roots.
Expanding the Legacy: Art as a Tool for Social Commentary
Peter W. Kunhardt, Jr., Executive Director of The Gordon Parks Foundation, emphasized Parks' holistic view of art, stating, "For Gordon Parks, art was never singular. Across writing, photography, painting, and now music, he understood creative practice as one of the most powerful tools for shaping how we see the world." He further noted that the 2026 fellows embody and extend this profound legacy, continuing to demonstrate art's potent capacity for societal reflection and transformation.
Supporting Visionary Artists: The Evolution of the Fellowship Program
Since its inception in 2017, the Foundation's annual fellowship program has consistently recognized and supported artists across a wide spectrum of fields and mediums. These fellowships specifically bolster new or ongoing projects that delve into critical themes of representation and social justice, aligning with Parks' foundational principles. Fellows actively engage in various Foundation initiatives throughout the year, culminating in a solo exhibition at The Gordon Parks Foundation Gallery in Pleasantville, New York, and their work is subsequently acquired for the Foundation's permanent collection.
Honoring Musical Roots: The New Fellowship in Music
The newly established Fellowship in Music serves as a profound tribute to the pivotal role music played in Parks' personal and artistic journey. Before achieving global acclaim as one of the 20th century's most influential photographers, Parks honed his skills as a pianist and composer, teaching himself by ear and touring with prominent jazz bands. Music remained an intrinsic element throughout his illustrious career, profoundly influencing his artistic approach to rhythm, narrative development, and collaborative practices. Jason Moran's appointment to this inaugural fellowship significantly broadens the Foundation's interdisciplinary mission, while simultaneously honoring this fundamental aspect of Parks' creative practice.
Preserving Photographic Heritage: The Legacy Acquisition Fund
In addition to the fellowships, the Gordon Parks Foundation Legacy Acquisition Fund, launched in 2025, is dedicated to preserving and expanding the Foundation's collection by acquiring significant works from influential photographers. This year, the fund will support Darryl Cowherd and Louis Mendes, both of whom had personal connections with Parks. Their photographic oeuvres hold a crucial position within the history of 20th-century photography, further enriching the contextual understanding of Parks' artistic networks and the extensive reach of his influence.
Celebrating New Voices: The 2026 Book Prize Winner
The prestigious 2026 Gordon Parks Foundation / Steidl Book Prize has been awarded to photographer Andre D. Wagner for his upcoming publication, Andre D. Wagner: New City, Old Blues. This forthcoming Steidl book will feature a collection of previously unpublished works created between 2014 and 2024, accompanied by an insightful essay penned by writer Hanif Abdurraqib. As a former Gordon Parks Foundation Art Fellow, Wagner's photographic practice aligns seamlessly with the tradition of street photography, offering a nuanced examination of the American social landscape through the lenses of race, class, and social identity.
A Year of Engagement: Exhibitions, Publications, and Philanthropy
These announcements are integral components of a robust anniversary program that features a diverse array of exhibitions. These include presentations at the Foundation's gallery in Pleasantville, as well as museum and gallery showcases across the United States, Europe, and Latin America, notably including a curated exhibition by the esteemed photographer Dawoud Bey. Furthermore, new publications, such as an expanded edition of Gordon Parks: Diary of a Harlem Family, 1967/1968, are slated to further deepen and reassess the understanding of Parks' extensive body of work.
The Grand Finale: Annual Awards Dinner & Auction
The year-long anniversary celebration will culminate in the Foundation's Annual Awards Dinner & Auction on May 19, held at Cipriani 42nd Street. This gala event will convene prominent figures from the worlds of art, music, film, and philanthropy, all united in their support for the Foundation's vital educational programs, fellowships, and scholarships, ensuring the continued legacy of Gordon Parks and the advancement of social justice through artistic expression.