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Today is the day! All Transformation Award Stage 1 applications are due by 11:59pm EST (we do not recommend waiting until the last minute). Visit: leeway.org/lta.

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.

Kay Healy (WOO ‘26, ‘24, ‘18; ACG ‘08) was invited to attend the Bologna Children’s Book Fair in Bologna, Italy from April 15-19, 2026, where her debut graphic novel, "Casey’s Cases: The Mysterious New Girl," was named a 2026 BolognaRagazzi Award winner – an internationally recognized honor in children’s publishing. This opportunity allowed Kay to participate in the awards ceremony while engaging with global publishers, licensing agents, and fellow authors through workshops, panels, and networking events. Attending the fair supported the visibility and distribution of Kay’s work while deepening her development as a storyteller committed to fostering literacy, imagination, and empathy in children through inclusive and engaging narratives.

The WOO grant supported Kay with the cost of a 4-day pass to the Bologna Children’s Book Fair, airfare, accommodation, and ground transportation.

Learn more about Kay at the link in bio! #LeewayWOO #Leeway2026

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.

Kay Healy (WOO ‘26, ‘24, ‘18; ACG ‘08) was invited to attend the Bologna Children’s Book Fair in Bologna, Italy from April 15-19, 2026, where her debut graphic novel, "Casey’s Cases: The Mysterious New Girl," was named a 2026 BolognaRagazzi Award winner – an internationally recognized honor in children’s publishing. This opportunity allowed Kay to participate in the awards ceremony while engaging with global publishers, licensing agents, and fellow authors through workshops, panels, and networking events. Attending the fair supported the visibility and distribution of Kay’s work while deepening her development as a storyteller committed to fostering literacy, imagination, and empathy in children through inclusive and engaging narratives.

The WOO grant supported Kay with the cost of a 4-day pass to the Bologna Children’s Book Fair, airfare, accommodation, and ground transportation.

Learn more about Kay at the link in bio! #LeewayWOO #Leeway2026

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.

Judith Sachs (WOO ‘26, ‘25, ‘22, ‘17; ACG ‘15) will be presenting her program, "Date Night and Intimacy: Reconnecting Parkinson’s Couples and Dating Singles," at the World Parkinson Congress in Phoenix, AZ (May 23-27, 2026), a global gathering held every three years. Her work addresses the often overlooked emotional and relational impacts of Parkinson’s, offering creative, sensory-based approaches through movement, play, and guided interaction to help couples and individuals reconnect beyond the roles of “patient” and “carepartner.” At the Congress, Judith will share her research through a poster presentation, attend informative sessions, and build relationships with practitioners and community members interested in expanding her program. With a specific focus on reaching marginalized groups, including LGBTQ+ couples and those underserved by traditional care models, she will grow the reach of her practice and foster new pathways for intimacy, communication, and connection within the Parkinson’s community.

The WOO grant will support Judith with the World Parkinson Congress registration fee, airfare, accommodation costs, and presentation materials.

Learn more about Judith at the link in bio! #LeewayWOO #Leeway2026

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.

Judith Sachs (WOO ‘26, ‘25, ‘22, ‘17; ACG ‘15) will be presenting her program, "Date Night and Intimacy: Reconnecting Parkinson’s Couples and Dating Singles," at the World Parkinson Congress in Phoenix, AZ (May 23-27, 2026), a global gathering held every three years. Her work addresses the often overlooked emotional and relational impacts of Parkinson’s, offering creative, sensory-based approaches through movement, play, and guided interaction to help couples and individuals reconnect beyond the roles of “patient” and “carepartner.” At the Congress, Judith will share her research through a poster presentation, attend informative sessions, and build relationships with practitioners and community members interested in expanding her program. With a specific focus on reaching marginalized groups, including LGBTQ+ couples and those underserved by traditional care models, she will grow the reach of her practice and foster new pathways for intimacy, communication, and connection within the Parkinson’s community.

The WOO grant will support Judith with the World Parkinson Congress registration fee, airfare, accommodation costs, and presentation materials.

Learn more about Judith at the link in bio! #LeewayWOO #Leeway2026

💌 Did you check your mailbox?

💌 Did you check your mailbox?

💌 Did you check your mailbox?

💌 Did you check your mailbox?

📢 Reminder that the Leeway Transformation Award (LTA) deadly is quickly approaching (NEXT FRIDAY)!

The LTA provides unrestricted annual awards of $15,000 to women, trans*, and gender nonconforming artists and cultural producers living in Greater Philadelphia who create art for social change and have done so for the past five years or more, demonstrating a long-term commitment to social change work.

🚨 There is one FINAL opportunity to receive Applicant Support virtually on Tuesday, May 12th with 45 minute time slots available from 10am-3pm. Sign up at luma.com/52l0uypk or via the link in our bio!

Learn more about the LTA and submit your application by Friday, May 15th at 11:59pm EST. Visit leeway.org/lta.

#Leeway2026 #LeewayLTA

📢 Reminder that the Leeway Transformation Award (LTA) deadly is quickly approaching (NEXT FRIDAY)!

The LTA provides unrestricted annual awards of $15,000 to women, trans*, and gender nonconforming artists and cultural producers living in Greater Philadelphia who create art for social change and have done so for the past five years or more, demonstrating a long-term commitment to social change work.

🚨 There is one FINAL opportunity to receive Applicant Support virtually on Tuesday, May 12th with 45 minute time slots available from 10am-3pm. Sign up at luma.com/52l0uypk or via the link in our bio!

Learn more about the LTA and submit your application by Friday, May 15th at 11:59pm EST. Visit leeway.org/lta.

#Leeway2026 #LeewayLTA

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.

Jackie Soro (WOO ‘26; ACG ‘24) will premiere Girl Dolls: The American Musical, their first show as a lead artist, at @fringearts from May 8-17, 2026, presented by the @beardedladiescabaret in collaboration with @paxressler. Blending music, humor, cabaret-style audience participation, and autobiographical storytelling, the show reflects on childhood, identity, and belonging, using nostalgia for American Girl dolls to explore how race, gender, and class shape who is included in “American girlhood.” Rooted in Jackie’s decade-long art for social change practice, the work invites audiences into a shared space of reflection, joy, and critical questioning.

The WOO grant will support Jackie with professional video documentation of the performance, which will serve as an archival record of this deeply personal, queer, community-centered story.

Learn more about Jackie at the link in bio! #LeewayWOO #Leeway2026

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.

Jackie Soro (WOO ‘26; ACG ‘24) will premiere Girl Dolls: The American Musical, their first show as a lead artist, at @fringearts from May 8-17, 2026, presented by the @beardedladiescabaret in collaboration with @paxressler. Blending music, humor, cabaret-style audience participation, and autobiographical storytelling, the show reflects on childhood, identity, and belonging, using nostalgia for American Girl dolls to explore how race, gender, and class shape who is included in “American girlhood.” Rooted in Jackie’s decade-long art for social change practice, the work invites audiences into a shared space of reflection, joy, and critical questioning.

The WOO grant will support Jackie with professional video documentation of the performance, which will serve as an archival record of this deeply personal, queer, community-centered story.

Learn more about Jackie at the link in bio! #LeewayWOO #Leeway2026

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.

Ants on a Log (WOO ‘26, ‘25, ‘23, ‘21; ACG ‘24, ‘17, ‘16) have been invited to perform their interactive show "AlphaBugs" at Wolf Trap Center for the Performing Arts in Virginia on June 24, 2026, in collaboration with New York-based artist Mélissa Smith. Blending music, movement, and literacy with themes of queer joy, inclusion, and environmental justice, "AlphaBugs" engages young audiences and their families in participatory storytelling that encourages self-expression, community care, and pronoun fluency. This performance at a prestigious venue marks a significant opportunity to expand their reach and visibility as social justice artists creating affirming, family-centered programming.

The WOO grant will support Ants on a Log with professional photo and video documentation of the performance and rehearsal process, which will be used to create a cohesive press kit to strengthen future booking opportunities and bring their work to wider audiences.

Learn more about Ants on a Log at the link in bio! #LeewayWOO #Leeway2026

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.

Ants on a Log (WOO ‘26, ‘25, ‘23, ‘21; ACG ‘24, ‘17, ‘16) have been invited to perform their interactive show "AlphaBugs" at Wolf Trap Center for the Performing Arts in Virginia on June 24, 2026, in collaboration with New York-based artist Mélissa Smith. Blending music, movement, and literacy with themes of queer joy, inclusion, and environmental justice, "AlphaBugs" engages young audiences and their families in participatory storytelling that encourages self-expression, community care, and pronoun fluency. This performance at a prestigious venue marks a significant opportunity to expand their reach and visibility as social justice artists creating affirming, family-centered programming.

The WOO grant will support Ants on a Log with professional photo and video documentation of the performance and rehearsal process, which will be used to create a cohesive press kit to strengthen future booking opportunities and bring their work to wider audiences.

Learn more about Ants on a Log at the link in bio! #LeewayWOO #Leeway2026

HAPPENING NEXT TUESDAY, MAY 5th! RSVP for up to 45 minutes to connect with a member of the Leeway staff to go over the LTA application and ask specific questions before the deadline. WALK-INS ARE ALSO WELCOME! Attendees will be served on a first-come first-serve basis!

¡EL PRÓXIMO MARTES, 5 DE MAYO! Inscríbase a una sesión de 45 minutos con una persona integrante del personal de Leeway, con el fin de revisar el LTA y plantear sus preguntas específicas, esto antes de la fecha límite. ¡TAMBIÉN SE ACEPTAN VISITAS SIN CITA PREVIA! Se atenderá a los asistentes por orden de llegada.

📍@fleisherart, 719 Catharine Street, 10am-3pm

🔗 luma.com/leewayfoundation

#Leeway2026 #LeewayLTA

HAPPENING NEXT TUESDAY, MAY 5th! RSVP for up to 45 minutes to connect with a member of the Leeway staff to go over the LTA application and ask specific questions before the deadline. WALK-INS ARE ALSO WELCOME! Attendees will be served on a first-come first-serve basis!

¡EL PRÓXIMO MARTES, 5 DE MAYO! Inscríbase a una sesión de 45 minutos con una persona integrante del personal de Leeway, con el fin de revisar el LTA y plantear sus preguntas específicas, esto antes de la fecha límite. ¡TAMBIÉN SE ACEPTAN VISITAS SIN CITA PREVIA! Se atenderá a los asistentes por orden de llegada.

📍@fleisherart, 719 Catharine Street, 10am-3pm

🔗 luma.com/leewayfoundation

#Leeway2026 #LeewayLTA

HAPPENING NEXT TUESDAY, MAY 5th! RSVP for up to 45 minutes to connect with a member of the Leeway staff to go over the LTA application and ask specific questions before the deadline. WALK-INS ARE ALSO WELCOME! Attendees will be served on a first-come first-serve basis!

¡EL PRÓXIMO MARTES, 5 DE MAYO! Inscríbase a una sesión de 45 minutos con una persona integrante del personal de Leeway, con el fin de revisar el LTA y plantear sus preguntas específicas, esto antes de la fecha límite. ¡TAMBIÉN SE ACEPTAN VISITAS SIN CITA PREVIA! Se atenderá a los asistentes por orden de llegada.

📍@fleisherart, 719 Catharine Street, 10am-3pm

🔗 luma.com/leewayfoundation

#Leeway2026 #LeewayLTA

HAPPENING NEXT TUESDAY, MAY 5th! RSVP for up to 45 minutes to connect with a member of the Leeway staff to go over the LTA application and ask specific questions before the deadline. WALK-INS ARE ALSO WELCOME! Attendees will be served on a first-come first-serve basis!

¡EL PRÓXIMO MARTES, 5 DE MAYO! Inscríbase a una sesión de 45 minutos con una persona integrante del personal de Leeway, con el fin de revisar el LTA y plantear sus preguntas específicas, esto antes de la fecha límite. ¡TAMBIÉN SE ACEPTAN VISITAS SIN CITA PREVIA! Se atenderá a los asistentes por orden de llegada.

📍@fleisherart, 719 Catharine Street, 10am-3pm

🔗 luma.com/leewayfoundation

#Leeway2026 #LeewayLTA

Friendly Reminder PARADE PRACTICE Saturday May 2nd 4-6pm

Join us for the second installment of Parade Practice! As part of the @nextfab_phl x Leeway residency, @esholts is sharing Samba Foundation + Bloco Oya.

Bloco Oyá is rooted in African, Brazilian, and Caribbean traditions of rhythm and movement. Oyá, the orisha of wind and transformation reminds us that change happens through movement—and that transformation is a shared process.

💃🏾 Free to attend April 25th 4–6pm beginning at @nextfab_phl 1800 N. American Street!
🥁 Register to attend via the link in our bio or at https://luma.com/rws0xdp9

This Saturday we’re going deeper—tapping into the rhythms and energy of Bahamian Junkanoo as part of my ongoing research into African diaspora festival traditions.
Junkanoo isn’t just a parade—it’s resistance, identity, and community power in motion.

Through my NextFab Leeway residency, I’m sharing and teaching from this research and documentation—bringing Junkanoo’s sonic sound into conversation with the traditions we’re building here in Philadelphia. Kalik-Kalik 👏🏾

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.

Angel Shanel Edwards’ (WOO ‘26, ‘24, ‘19; MAR ‘25; ACG ‘25, ‘18) first solo exhibition, Mirror is not a metaphor, an Arts League artist-in-residence project in West Philly ran from April 3-24, 2026, with a closing reception on April 24th. The exhibition explored Black intimacy, vanity, and witness as practices of collective futurity. The closing reception gathered community members, including Black elders, queer and trans kin, disabled community members, and fellow artists, for a shared experience of reflection, celebration, and connection with the work, while also emphasizing safe, accessible gathering practices. As both a culmination of Angel's residency and their first solo exhibition, this opportunity represented a pivotal moment in their artistic development, strengthening their portfolio and deepening their capacity to create and sustain community-centered exhibition spaces in the future.

The WOO grant supported Angel with professional photographic documentation of the exhibition, as well as supplies for the closing reception.

Learn more about Angel at the link in bio! #LeewayWOO #Leeway2026

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.

Angel Shanel Edwards’ (WOO ‘26, ‘24, ‘19; MAR ‘25; ACG ‘25, ‘18) first solo exhibition, Mirror is not a metaphor, an Arts League artist-in-residence project in West Philly ran from April 3-24, 2026, with a closing reception on April 24th. The exhibition explored Black intimacy, vanity, and witness as practices of collective futurity. The closing reception gathered community members, including Black elders, queer and trans kin, disabled community members, and fellow artists, for a shared experience of reflection, celebration, and connection with the work, while also emphasizing safe, accessible gathering practices. As both a culmination of Angel's residency and their first solo exhibition, this opportunity represented a pivotal moment in their artistic development, strengthening their portfolio and deepening their capacity to create and sustain community-centered exhibition spaces in the future.

The WOO grant supported Angel with professional photographic documentation of the exhibition, as well as supplies for the closing reception.

Learn more about Angel at the link in bio! #LeewayWOO #Leeway2026

Introducing, the Philly Fictionists! Come to @patatgiovannisroom on 5/15 to celebrate the launch of a collaborative zine by brilliant local trans writers. Event is free and open to the public, zines are free to all!

The Philly Fictionists is a Leeway Grant funded project.

💫 Under the Stars 2026 line up is here!⁠
⁠
🌳 Every year, when the weather is *just* right, cinéSPEAK’s Under the Stars Film Festival brings audiences together for magical evenings of outdoor cinema at West Philly’s beloved Clark Park. We can’t wait to see you there!⁠
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❤️‍🔥 This year’s theme, community resilience, we’re honoring how individuals and collectives come together to care for one another and organize to dream and construct freer futures.
⁠
🗓️ Schedule:⁠
Fridays: May 29, June 5, June 12, and June 19⁠
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⏰ Event Flow:⁠
—7 PM: Community gathering with special musical guests! BYO chairs, blankets, friends, and enthusiasm to celebrate with your local community.⁠
—9 PM: Film screenings! ⁠
⁠
FRIDAY 5/29: ⁠
🎥 EVERYBODY TO KENMURE STREET (dir. Felipe Bustos Sierra) ⁠
🎥 BARRIGA LLENA, CORAZÓN CONTENTO (FULL BELLY, HAPPY HEART) (dirs. @_Marshall.H_ and @JordanaMedia) *Pennsylvania Premieres* ⁠
🎶 Musical Guests: @MariposasGalacticas & @DJRipley⁠
⁠
FRIDAY 5/29 @ 10PM-2AM ⁠
🥳 OPENING NIGHT PARTY @DahlakParadise with @rivaandbiancamusic—Great vibes. Cash bar. Late night snacks. Indoor party. Outdoor chilling. Free to attend. Show your RSVP for 10% off your tab!⁠
⁠
FRIDAY 6/5: ⁠
🎥 @DemocracyNow's STEAL THIS STORY, PLEASE! (dirs. Carl Deal and Tia Lessin) 🎥ABOLITON CONVERSATIONS: EPISODE 1 (dir. @fototornado) *World Premiere* 🎶 Musical Guests: @VinylTap215 presents @DuiJi_13 and @The_Aura_Sphere ⁠
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FRIDAY 6/12: ⁠
🎥 Niñxs (dir. @Kaniarkada) *Pennsylvania Premiere* 🎶 Musical Guest: DJ @Vicenteaea. ⁠
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FRIDAY 6/19: ⁠
🎥 TCB: THE TONI CADE BAMBARA SCHOOL OF ORGANIZING (dir. Louis.Massiah @moluccah) 🎥#FREEBLACKMAMAS: HEAR HER VOICE from @PhillyBailOut (dirs. @muslimmajid14 @alexwilesmedia) *World Premiere* 🎶 Musical Guest: @ClubfriendsRadioandRecords presents @NineofWands____ and @Afro.Fem ⁠
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💖 We couldn't (and wouldn't want) to do this without out amazing sponsors: @peoplesmediafund @criticalminded_community @leewayfound @WHYY @visitphilly @genderjusticephilly @dahlak_paradise @writersroomdrexel @twolocals @mariposacoop⁠ @drinkmedly
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📣 Stay tuned for more exciting news!⁠
⁠
🔗 Learn More & Register via link in bio⁠
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🎨: Poster by @tracychahwan