2012 Leeway Transformation Awards Announced

PHILADELPHIA—Eight artists representing six Philadelphia neighborhoods and several counties in the Delaware Valley have been named 2012 Leeway Transformation Award recipients, the foundation announced today.

The Transformation Awards are granted annually to women and transgender artists who have a demonstrable practice of art and social change. The 2012 awards were presented to a diverse group of artists working in a wide range of disciplines including literary arts, performance, music, visual arts, media and folk art. The $15,000 award is unrestricted—no project is required.

“Leeway’s support of the group of awardees in our seventh cycle of the Transformation Award demonstrates the tremendous impact women and trans artists have on our communities in the Philadelphia area,” says Program Director Sham-e-Ali Nayeem, “The commitment and dedication of the women and trans artists who create this art and culture work for social change impacts the lives of so many others beyond themselves.”

The goal of Leeway's Transformation Award is to recognize women and transgender artists who create art for social change for the past five years or more, and impacts a larger group, audience, or community.

A national panel consisting of artists and cultural workers convened to review applications and work samples in two stages. The 2012 panel consisted of: writer and cultural worker, Akiba Solomon; dancer, Miko Doi-Smith; multimedia artist and cultural worker, NikNaz; visual artist, Mary DeWitt (LTA ’10, ACG '09, WOO '03); and filmmaker, Yolanda Cruz. Trainer, organizer, and writer, Nico Amador, facilitated the second stage.

This cycle’s 8 awardees, selected out of 60 applications, are:

Denice Frohman of West Philadelphia, Literary Arts and Performance
Eiko Fan of Haverford, Multi-Disciplinary
Fatu Gayflor, of Upper Darby, Music and Folk Art
Hazami Sayed of West Philadelphia, Multi-Disciplinary
Joe Ippolito of Mount Airy, Multi-Disciplinary
Lorna Ann Johnson-Frizell of Holmesburg, Media Arts
Sinema White of East Oak Lane, Music and Performance
Takeya Trayer of South Philadelphia, Visual Arts and Media Arts 

The selection process begins with an open application. Women and transgender artists throughout the surrounding six counties submit applications, which are then reviewed by a panel of nationally known artists, activists, and cultural producers, representing a variety of artistic and cultural practices. The panel meets in the summer and makes selections for a group of finalists to move on to the second stage application, which is by invitation only. In the winter, the panel reviews the second stage applications and makes final recommendations for the Transformation Award to a group who, as emerging, mid-career, and established artists, fully embody Leeway’s mission to create art for social change. The number of awardees selected each year is not fixed.

The Leeway Foundation supports women and transgender artists and cultural producers working in communities at the intersection of art, culture, and social change. Through our grant making and other programs we promote artistic expression that amplifies the voices of those on the margins, promotes sustainable and healthy communities, and works in the service of movements for economic and social justice.

Applications are made available on the Leeway website and outreach events are held throughout the year. The next Leeway Transformation Award deadline is May 15, 2013. 

Foundation staff members are available (by appointment) to provide support to potential applicants via workshops and advisory sessions. Applications may also be obtained by calling (215) 545-4078 or emailing info@leeway.org. 

Press inquiries should be directed to Maori Holmes at maori@leeway.org or Sham-e-Ali Nayeem at sham@leeway.org.