Skillshare Partners with ADAMA to Celebrate Black History Month and Support Black Artists

Art by Atlanta Muralist Fabian Williams
Depicted - Marian Cloak

Black history month is a time to honor the important contributions and achievements of Black people throughout history and across the diaspora. One of the many ways in which Black people have impacted our world is through art. Black artists have played a critical role in shaping cultural movements and challenging societal norms, and their work has been essential in advancing the fight for equality.

Black artists have often used their art to convey powerful messages about the Black experience. From the Harlem Renaissance to contemporary Black Lives Matter protests, art has been a tool for Black people to express their identity, celebrate their culture, and demand justice.

In celebratinon of Black History Month, Skillshare is supporting ADAMA’s hosting a social media contest to award one contest winner a $1,000 prize, one-year free Skillshare membership, and a collection of ADAMA merch. 

Celebrating Black artists during Black History Month is a way to recognize the important role they have played in shaping our culture and our world. It is also an opportunity to highlight the continued struggle for racial equality and the ongoing contributions of Black people to our society.

Skillshare is an online learning community with thousands of inspiring classes for creative and curious people, on topics including illustration, design, photography, video, freelancing, and more. On Skillshare, millions of members come together to find inspiration and take the next step in their creative journey.

The contest is a call for art and artists are asked to submit art pieces inspired by their favorite Black historical figures. The contest begins Thursday, February 23rd and ends March 4th. As submissions come in, ADAMA will share the work on their social media pages along with a statement from the artist about what inspires them about their historical Black figure of choice. The winner will be selected by a panel of artists from ADAMA's village.

Here are the content rules:

1. Must follow @adama_atl and @skillshare on Instagram

2. All mediums of art accepted (new or existing works)

3. Artworks can represent the person or their ideology. 

4. Preference will be given to unsung historical figures of the past or present.

Here’s how to submit your work:

Artist must submit the following via DM to @adama_atl or via email to info@adamatl.org

• A video of you working on the art piece. 

• A clear image, scan, or file of the final art piece

• 1-3 sentence statement about who your figure is and why you chose them.

• In the body of the message/email they should include: their name, title and medium of art submitted, social media handles, and contact information

This contest is part of a larger mission to amplify Black creative voices across the diaspora. It's crucial that we continue to celebrate and support Black artists, not just during Black History Month, but year-round. By doing so, we can help to ensure that their voices are heard, their stories are told, and their contributions are recognized and celebrated for generations to come.