A dynamic space for art and social justice in New York City. The Ford Foundation Gallery showcases bold projects that envision a more equitable future.
BY KAZEEM ADELEKE, ARTCENTRON
At the heart of the Ford Foundation Center for Social Justice lies a powerful space for change: the Ford Foundation Gallery. Since its opening in 2019, the gallery has been a bold platform where artists challenge, inspire, and give voice to urgent social issues. It is a dynamic hub for critical dialogue and creative expression, extending the Ford Foundation’s nearly 90-year legacy of working toward a more just and equitable world. Here, the power of art transforms intellectual concepts of injustice into deeply human experiences, inviting a diverse, international audience to engage with global struggles for human dignity. This deep connection between art and social justice is at the core of the gallery’s mission.
Fundamental to the Ford Foundation Gallery is the belief that art holds a singular power to transform abstract concepts into experiences that transcend theory and speak directly to the human heart Through stories and imagery, artists give voice to marginalized perspectives, challenge dominant narratives, and inspire audiences to envision new realities. As Lisa Kim, Director of the Ford Foundation Gallery, explains, “It is through small deeds and big ideas… that together, we move toward justice.” This deep connection between art and social justice is at the heart of the gallery’s mission.
Landmark Exhibitions at the Ford Foundation Gallery
Since its inception, the Ford Foundation Gallery has brought bold new projects to life. It offers a platform for artists whose work speaks to the urgent issues of our time. It has curated a range of powerful exhibitions that center voices often overlooked. Additionally, these shows also elevate stories of resistance, resilience, and hope. These landmark exhibitions highlight the intersection of art and social justice.
Body Vessel Clay
This groundbreaking exhibition brings together three generations of Black women artists working with clay. It traced the influence of renowned Nigerian potter Ladi Dosei Kwali (1925–1984) on contemporary practices, highlighting how Black women have transformed ceramics into a medium of political expression—disrupting conventions and expanding creative possibilities.
THIS IS NOT A RETREAT! NXTHVN Through the Years
Celebrating NXTHVN, an arts incubator co-founded by artist Titus Kaphar, this exhibition honored an innovative model of mentorship and community building. The show featured work from alumni, emphasizing the value of creative networks and the enduring impact of communal support in fostering art and social justice.
Reverberations: Lineages in Design History
This exhibition reimagined the canon of design history by centering Indigenous, Black, and People of Color designers. With works by over fifty artists, Reverberations counters the dominant narrative of design as a singular tradition. Instead, it amplifies diverse lineages and cultural contributions. The gallery became a site of education and reclamation. It showcased design as a practice rich with untold histories and future possibilities for art and social justice.
Cantando Bajito: Incantations
As part of a yearlong series focused on resistance strategies, Incantations explored networks of care that protect feminized bodies. Building on personal accounts of survival and resistance, this exhibition engaged ancestral and futuristic knowledge systems. It highlights how they sustain communities through ritual and collective wisdom. Furthermore, it deepens the gallery’s commitment to art and social justice.
Per(Sister): Incarcerated Women of Louisiana
This emotionally resonant exhibition shed light on the lives and experiences of incarcerated women in Louisiana. Presented through multidisciplinary art and performance, Per(Sister) gave voice to women whose stories are often silenced. The show explores the systemic injustices of mass incarceration, centering the humanity of those impacted. The exhibit powerfully demonstrated how art and social justice can intersect to create profound change.
Visit the Ford Foundation Gallery
The Ford Foundation Art Gallery invites you to explore the compelling visual art, intimate storytelling, and visionary design that define its exhibitions. Each visit is an invitation to consider your role in shaping a more just and inclusive world through art and social justice.
The Ford Foundation Gallery is open Monday through Saturday, from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. It is accessible to the public via the 43rd Street entrance; the gallery is free to visit and welcomes all.
- Featured Image: Patrick Quarm (Ghana, b. 1988, lives and works in Accra, Ghana), So We Dey, 2024. Mixed media: acrylic and oil on African print fabric, wooden cornice 75 x 58 x 30 inches, 3 layers. Courtesy of the Artist/Ford Foundation Gallery. Photo: Sebastian Bach.