The Houston Museum of African American Culture (HMAAC) is thrilled to introduce the esteemed guest jurors for the 2024 Bert Long, Jr. Prize: Daisha Board and Phillip A. Townsend. Together with Christopher Blay, Chief Curator at HMAAC, Board and Townsend will have the honor of selecting the recipient of the 2024 Bert Long, Jr. Prize. This prestigious award, established in memory of the late Bert Long Jr., celebrates his enduring artistic legacy and contributions to the Houston art scene. The winner of the prize will receive a $3,000 cash award and a solo exhibition in the Bert Long Jr. Gallery at HMAAC, with the grand announc

ement scheduled for April 12, 2024, at HMAAC.

In October of last year, the inaugural Bert Long Jr. Prize was awarded to artist David Stunts, chosen by curator Blay, along with Houston-based artists Eddie Filer and Romeo Robinson. Stunts emerged as the victor from a pool of eight talented artists featured in the inaugural Bert Long Jr. Gallery Spring Survey Exhibition in April 2023. This year, the recipient will be selected from the artists showcased in the 2024 survey exhibition, which includes Omari Cato, Brian Edwards, Morgan Grisby, Justin O’Keith Higgs, ann johnson, Rosine Kouamen, Shavon Morris, Christopher Paul, and Kamaria Shepherd.

The Houston Museum of African American Culture extends special appreciation to the Bert Long Jr. Estate, Deborah Colton Gallery, and Chauncy Glover for their invaluable support of the inaugural Bert Long, Jr. Prize.

About the Guest Jurors:

Daisha Board is a prominent figure in the art world, renowned as the Owner & Founder of Daisha Board Gallery, an esteemed art gallery based in Dallas, Texas. With a passion for art and a keen business acumen, Board has become a leading advocate for contemporary artists and a respected tastemaker in the industry. Her journey began in Queens, NYC, where she discovered the transformative power of artistic expression. After pursuing a bachelor's degree in political science & African American Studies at Bethune-Cookman University, Daisha embarked on a mission to amplify marginalized artists' voices through her gallery. She has curated, juried, and collaborated on exhibitions and projects across Dallas, showcasing artists from diverse backgrounds and cultures.

Phillip A. Townsend, based in Austin, is a curator, art historian, and doctoral candidate specializing in Modern and Contemporary Art of the African Diaspora at The University of Texas at Austin. As the Curator of Art at Art Galleries at Black Studies (AGBS), Townsend plays a pivotal role in showcasing the rich artistic contributions of Black artists. With a focus on the politics of identity, space, and mobility in art produced by women artists of the African Diaspora, Townsend's research sheds light on important intersections within the art world. He is also a co-founder of Neon Queen Collective, an independent curatorial cooperative, and has contributed to publications such as African Arts and E3W Review of Books.

Join the HMAAC Community:

Embrace the vibrant cultural offerings of the Houston Museum of African American Culture by becoming a member today! Membership grants exclusive access to Member Preview Receptions before each exhibition, offering a unique opportunity to engage with groundbreaking artistic expressions. Visit our website at www.hmaac.org to become a member and embark on a journey of discovery and enlightenment with us.

About the Houston Museum of African American Culture (HMAAC):

The Houston Museum of African American Culture (HMAAC) is dedicated to exploring and celebrating the rich cultural heritage and contributions of African Americans. Through exhibitions, programs, and community engagement initiatives, HMAAC strives to foster dialogue, promote understanding, and inspire positive change. Visit www.hmaac.org to learn more about our mission and upcoming events.