Bader + Simon Gallery, a pioneering non-profit art destination, proudly announces Jamaal Durr as the latest winner of its annual Empowerment Grant.
Set to open later this year in Cincinnati’s emerging Over-The-Rhine neighborhood, gallery founder Tamara White said she is committed to supporting emerging artists dedicated to themes of identity and self-expression.
“Art is a catalyst for conversation and transformation,” said White. “Bader + Simon will be a hub where those conversations flourish, with artists like Jamaal Durr leading the charge in challenging perspectives.”
Bader + Simon Founder Tamara White
The gallery’s Empowerment Grant provides a significant boost to artists like Durr, offering a $7,500 cash grant over eight months and a future exhibition at Bader + Simon. This initiative is specifically designed for artists without a master’s degree and with limited exhibition experience.
Learn more about Durr: Postindustrial Creators: The inspiring journey of Jamaal Durr from challenges to artistic triumph
White, an art collector and museum studies scholar, said Bader + Simon stands at the intersection of art, education, and social justice, and its grants empower creators to not only receive validation for their talent but also receive monetary support that allows more time to create, as well as the exposure of a gallery show.
White’s vision for the gallery is to create an inclusive space that amplifies diverse voices and fosters dialogue around systemic inequities.
“Building Bader + Simon and sharing it with the community are important and key elements of our organization. Yet, it’s the immediate support that we can provide to artists that makes this endeavor worthwhile,” she said.
Based in Dayton, Ohio, Durr expressed his gratitude for the recognition and opportunity, anticipating a fruitful partnership with the gallery.
“It’s such a great opportunity for me,” he said. “Grants like these are so competitive, there’s almost a sense of disbelief when you’re chosen.”
Previous grant winners include:
- Robert Hightower, a contemporary American artist who is known for emotionally charged works in acrylic and oil
- New York-based photographer Kalada Halliday (a prime example of his work is featured at the top if this story)who documents the lives of teens growing up in the Bronx community
- Monica Rodriguez, whose series Kissing Barbies is based on an introspective journey through the prism of childhood, beauty paradigms, and the impact on young girls
What sets Bader and Simon apart from the other galleries?
White noted that the Bader + Simon’s mission aims to elevate underrepresented artists, empower communities through collaborative exhibitions and programming, and bring a new perspective to the intersection of art, education, and social justice to the Cincinnati community.
White said the gallery aims to reshape the traditional art world model, prioritizing social change and supporting artists.
“Bader + Simon was created to bridge the gap between contemporary art and the need to raise awareness of social justice themes, particularly those from underrepresented voices,” she said.
And most notably, unlike most galleries, 100% of artwork sales go to artists.
Founded in 2022 following the purchase of a building in Cincinnati, the gallery has been presenting online exhibitions in addition to its yearly Empowerment Grant while its physical space is under construction.
The non-profit arts organization is named after the original tenants of the 1880 building: machinist Ferdinand Bader and mercantilist Emmanuel Simon.
“Given the extensive gentrification of Cincinnati’s Over-The-Rhine area, where the gallery is located, we felt it was important to honor the building’s history,” White said.
