upcoming grant deadline: 05/15/2024

upcoming grant deadline: 05/15/2024

Betsy Z. Casañas

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Betsycasanas

2008 Leeway Transformation Award – $15,000

Betsy's work is an autobiographical visual and written composition that combines themes of abuse, abandonment, vulnerability, sexuality, and family. She has overcome many obstacles in her life as a single mother, poet, singer, painter, and teacher and has always been eager to reevaluate herself and her surroundings in order to learn and grow as an individual and a member of her community. Growing up in the neglected and chaotic Latino barrio in North Philadelphia inspired her to work with her community to improve the situation, always believing that they deserved better. Her work with youth, gives them a chance to develop their own voice and involve them in the community as well. These projects have taken her from el barrio in North Philadelphia to poor villages in Central and South America. Betsy hopes that one of her most recent works, Cruzando el Charco a mural depicting the Puerto Rican migration to Philadelphia will lead to a more profound and lasting impact by inspiring members of the community to learn more of their history. As an artist, Betsy feels a desire and an obligation to facilitate change. She continues her work in transforming her community, determined to empower those whose voices have been lost.

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Leeway grant?

Window of Opportunity Grant

The Window of Opportunity (WOO) grant provides financial assistance of up to $1,500 to Leeway grant and award recipients to help them take advantage of imminent, time-sensitive opportunities to support their art for social change practice. The Community Care Fund (CCF) provides financial assistance of up to $1,250 to Leeway grant and award recipients to support with immediate and essential emergency needs. [read more]

deadline
Upcoming events
04/025:30 pm - 7:00 pm

4/2 Transformation Award (LTA) Awardee Panel + Info Session (In Person)

Have questions about the application process for the Leeway Transformation Award (LTA)?

[learn more]

04/185:30 pm - 6:30 pm

4/18 Transformation Award (LTA) Info Session (Virtual)

Have questions about the application process for the Leeway Transformation Award?

[learn more]