The M Network is proud to support The Miami Foundation’s promotion of the 7th annual State of Black Philanthropy, celebrated the last week of February, Black History Month. Attendees of this virtual premiere will enjoy various conversations and perspectives from community leaders, artists, philanthropists, and local organizations working to strengthen Miami’s Black communities.
To capture the feel and impact of the evening, The Foundation partnered with Miami-based interdisciplinary artist Cornelius Tulloch to create artwork that embodies State of Black Philanthropy 2022. Tulloch’s art transcends the barriers of visual photography, 2D mediums, fine art, and architecture to tell powerful stories that remind us of the spatial impact of intersecting cultures, borders, and characteristics with art in our community.
From The Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. to the MAXXI – Museo nazionale delle arti del XXI secolo in Rome, Italy, and the Studio Museum in Harlem, the work of this rising star has lined the walls of museums across the globe.
The M Network sat down with Cornelius to learn what inspired his work with The Miami Foundation’s State of Black Philanthropy.
Cornelius, share with us how your work tells stories?
“That is really where my work lies, this idea of a space in-between spaces. That is American and is very foreign, in its own right. Within my work, I explore this boundary of identity that exists between being Jamaican and African American, seeing where these lines blur, you can see in my works vibrant colors; the spirit of it is very Miami.”
How did your work with The Miami Foundation and the State of Black Philanthropy event come about?
“That happened on chance…so when the opportunity came up to do something for them, I was just like, this is a great moment to look deep into Miami’s neighborhoods, Miami’s Black neighborhoods, and see the architecture of these spaces. See what really created these different environments and really to create a body of work that just reflected the lived experience of Black people within Miami.”
How did you choose to use the collage medium for this artwork?
“Getting that opportunity was just great, and I thought what better than a collage because that is what Miami is culturally, and that is what Miami is socially, just this melt of different things that have been put together.
I was able to show a side of Miami that only people from Miami see. So I think having that level of intimacy also as an artist with the subject and things I am representing just allowed me to make a work that was powerful and spoke to the city.”
When your work was chosen to represent your community and such a poignant conversation with The Miami Foundation, what emotions did you feel?
“For me, it means a lot because I think it’s as we see Miami now. Miami is shifting drastically. We are seeing these neighborhoods that are reflected in that work changing.”
Tulloch continued to reflect on how much it meant that he “could be part of telling their story and having their voices heard. And also… to highlight an organization that is doing so much work to upbuild these communities – while also being a part of these communities – is just great.”
State of Black Philanthropy 2022 will undoubtedly draw attention to Tulloch’s talent and perspective as an artist. Still, beyond that, he has used his skills to illustrate the level of community support provided by one of the largest philanthropic institutions in Greater Miami. The Foundation has invested more than 1 million dollars with 19 organizations through its Racial Equity Fund. Since its founding, it has invested more than $485 million to strengthen and support a more resilient Miami.
To unite with The Miami Foundation in reflecting on Greater Miami’s State of Black Philanthropy, join the virtual event on Wednesday, February 23, 2022, at 6 p.m., by clicking here.