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Studio Museum in Harlem

Born out of an urgent need amid the political, social, and cultural ferment of the late 1960s, the Studio Museum in Harlem was founded by a diverse group of artists, community activists, and philanthropists who came together to address the near-complete exclusion of artists of African descent from mainstream museums, commercial art galleries, academic institutions, and scholarly publications.

Mission

The Studio Museum in Harlem is the nexus for artists of African descent locally, nationally, and internationally and for work that has been inspired and influenced by Black culture. It is a site for the dynamic exchange of ideas about art and society.

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The Building

The Studio Museum is currently constructing the first building in its history created expressly for the needs of the institution and its communities. The new building occupies the site on West 125th Street on which the Studio Museum had been operating since 1982.

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The Brand

The Studio Museum’s graphic identity has evolved and responded to the times using print and digital media to advance narratives about Black culture and support an ecosystem of artists and art workers. As the Museum prepares to open its first purpose-built space on 125th street in Harlem, it selected Pacific, a multidisciplinary creative studio to reimagine an identity system that drives forward a legacy of graphic innovation.

The new identity forefronts typography and a three-tiered color palette favoring black and grayscale that offers a range of creative options for the Museum to deepen its connection to artists, members, visitors, and Harlem.

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Artist Support

Residency Program

Every year, the Museum offers an eleven-month residency for three local, national, or international artists working in any media. Proposed as a founding initiative in 1968, the Artist-in-Residence program has earned The Studio Museum recognition for its catalytic role in advancing the work of visual artists of African and Afro-Latinx descent.

See the residency program

Wein Prize

Presented each year at the Studio Museum’s fall Gala, the award recognizes and honors the artistic achievements of an African-American artist who demonstrates great innovation, promise, and creativity.

See Wein Prize recipients

Archives

The Studio Museum in Harlem Archives was established to preserve and make accessible the Studio Museum’s historical records. The Archives provides a space for a critical, interdisciplinary inquiry into the past, present, and future.

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Press and News

11.02.23
The Studio Museum in Harlem Launches a New Graphic Identity, Typeface, and Website
Go to The Studio Museum in Harlem Launches a New Graphic Identity, Typeface, and Website
09.28.23
And ever an edge: Studio Museum Artists in Residence 2022–23
Go to And ever an edge: Studio Museum Artists in Residence 2022–23
09.21.23
Studio Store Release New Items in the Barkley L. Hendricks Collection
Go to Studio Store Release New Items in the Barkley L. Hendricks Collection
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Leadership


Thelma Golden

Director and Chief Curator

Thelma Golden is the director and chief curator of the Studio Museum in Harlem, the world’s leading institution devoted to visual arts by artists of African descent. Under her leadership, the Studio Museum has gained renown as a global leader in the exhibition of contemporary art and a cultural anchor in the Harlem community.
Thelma Golden is the director and chief curator of the Studio Museum in Harlem, the world’s leading institution devoted to visual arts by artists of African descent. Under her leadership, the Studio Museum has gained renown as a global leader in the exhibition of contemporary art and a cultural anchor in the Harlem community.


Careers

Access

The Studio Museum in Harlem is committed to making its exhibitions, programs, and services accessible to all. The Museum continues its efforts to constantly improve the accessibility of its site and services.If you have questions or comments about accessibility at the Studio Museum, please call 212.864.4500 or email us.

Web Accessibility

Our effort to enhance and maintain the accessibility of our website is ongoing. If you have difficulty accessing our website or services, please email [email protected].

General Information

Mailing Address
144 West 125th Street
New York, New York 10027
Development
Director's Office
Image Requests & Permissions
Membership
Press Inquiries
Museum Store
Website

Financial Information

Fiscal Year 2023
Audited Financial Statements
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Fiscal Year 2022
Annual Report
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Fiscal Year 2022
990 IRS Filing
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Fiscal Year 2022
Audited Financial Statements
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Fiscal Year 2021
Annual Report
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Fiscal Year 2021
990 IRS Filing
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Fiscal Year 2021
Audited Financial Statements
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Fiscal Year 2020
990 IRS Filing
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Fiscal Year 2020
Audited Financial Statements
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Fiscal Year 2019
990 IRS Filing
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Fiscal Year 2019
Audited Financial Statements
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