Ankhlave Arts Alliance

Ankhlave Arts Alliance is a W.A.G.E. certified nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization for the advancement of Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) in the contemporary art realm. AnkhLave (that’s “Enclave” with an “Ankh”) is based in New York City, and produces annual programming including our AnkhLave Garden Project Fellowship, AnkhLave Curator Fellowship, and the Ankhlave Public Artist in Residence. We believe art is an ideal platform for the exchange of ideas and perspectives. Art allows people the opportunity to engage in conversations that can be difficult to confront, politically and socially, and opens the floor for conversations between people of diverse communities that may not have engaged otherwise. We believe art has the power to influence, change and even subvert culture in favor of more nuanced perspectives and for more equitable presence within the greater society. In keeping with our mission to facilitate exchange of ideas between and within marginalized communities, we seek to present programming beyond the traditional white-walled gallery space, and in alternative public spaces within BIPOC communities. One reason for this is to honor the legacy of many BIPOC people’s Indigenous heritage from around the world, which can include creative works that are sculpted, worn, performed in or displayed outdoors in nature. Spaces like botanical and community gardens are inclusive as it can be transformed into an unexpected exhibition space, inspiring wonder and curiosity when stumbled upon. Many communities within the BIPOC umbrella are polarized by the art establishment due to colonialism, with many of their homeland’s artworks taken and exhibited for non BIPOC audiences. In this sense, even their own people's work becomes othered to them. Moreover, art history has historically been authored through the European gaze, and omitted many experiences and viewpoints around the world. Contemporary art in recent history is becoming more inclusive, though many potential BIPOC audience members need more representation in order to feel included in the contemporary art conversation. We believe the best way to can elevate BIPOC voices and the communities they are representing is by bringing their artwork to the people, in a public space that is unexpected and accessible for maximum community engagement.