- ,Photo Credit Getty Images March 4, 2025. In 1966, Lois K. Alexander-Lane established the Harlem Institute of Fashion to create a supportive community where individuals could train for careers in the fashion industry at a time when opportunities for Black people were few. Remarkably, she was also the institution's primary investor, charging very little for students to attend. Students who attended the institute completed two semesters of coursework, with the opportunity to specialize in areas such as dressmaking, millinery, color theory, and design. Through the creation of the institute, Alexander-Lane paved the way for a new generation of Black designers who possessed a deep understanding of garment construction. By 1982, the school had proudly graduated over 3,000 students. In 1979, she also founded The Black Fashion Museum, which sought to narrate African American history through the medium of fashion, emphasizing the ingenuity and skill of Black designers. Both institutions are now defunct. The collection from the museum was transferred to the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington DC, guaranteeing the preservation and continued appreciation of these significant historical artifacts.
A trailblazing visionary who captured the essence of our collective aspirations.
Barbie has launched a new doll honoring Alicia Keys, celebrating her contributions to music and culture. The release is part of Barbie's initiative to recognize influential women in the music industry, showcasing their impact and achievements. Alicia Keys' doll is part of the 'She is the Music' collection, which aims to inspire young girls to pursue their dreams in music and beyond.
Dress for Success® Worldwide stands as the foremost global nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering unemployed and underemployed women. For over 26 years, it has led initiatives in women’s economic development. The organization provides a comprehensive suite of services—ranging from career development and job skills training to mentoring, coaching, financial education, and professional attire—all at no cost. These services equip women with the necessary tools and skills to attain economic self-sufficiency.
Since its inception in 1997, Dress for Success has significantly expanded its reach. It now boasts 136 affiliates in 20 countries, assisting over 1.3 million women in their journey towards economic independence.
Judy Chicago's renowned installation, "The Dinner Party," stands as a monumental homage to women's history and accomplishments. This triangular table features place settings for 39 prominent women throughout history, each symbolically celebrating their societal contributions. Every setting is intricately adorned with imagery representing the honored woman. Through this artwork, Chicago challenges the historical erasure of women and underscores the necessity of acknowledging their voices and experiences.
Dance/Movement Therapy (DMT): This form of therapy uses dance and movement to help individuals improve emotional, cognitive, physical, and social well-being. It can be particularly effective for women dealing with trauma, body image issues, and other psychological challenges.
Overall, dance offers a holistic approach to well-being, addressing physical, emotional, and social aspects of health.
Founded in 2018, the Black Artists + Designers Guild (BADG) is a dynamic, action-oriented, member-driven platform for creative professionals seeking community, collaboration, and support. Rooted in the principles of a traditional guild, BADG flourishes through active member participation and patron contributions that support their initiatives.
Regrettably, many pioneering artists have not received the recognition they deserve for their contributions to arts and culture. The Paid in Full Foundation aims to address this through its grant making. program, honoring Hip Hop's founders and supporting their ongoing creative and intellectual pursuits for society's benefit.
Center for African and Diaspora Dance is a home for African and Diaspora dance and music, offering donation-based dance and music classes and cultural programs. They invite everyone to experience the joy and vitality of rhythms rooted in Africa. Their mission to make African-rooted dance and education accessible to all, regardless of economic background.
Custom Collaborative empowers low-income and immigrant women by providing training, mentorship, and advocacy. Their programs equip participants with the skills needed to achieve economic success in the sustainable fashion industry and beyond. They offer a comprehensive 15-week program teaching the art, technique, and business of fashion design. They specialize in constructing made-to-measure clothing and personalized accessories for all body types.
The Council of Fashion Designers of America, Inc. (CFDA), founded in 1962, is a not-for-profit trade association representing over 350 of America's leading womenswear, menswear, jewelry, and accessory designers. The CFDA's mission is to enhance the global influence of American fashion by promoting creative excellence and ensuring business sustainability.
Established in July 2016, the Arts Administrators of Color Network (AAC) is a dedicated service organization that prioritizes networking and community building within the arts. They advocate for equity in the arts by fostering collaborations, hosting forums, and creating platforms that amplify the voices of arts administrators and artists of color, ensuring representation where it is often lacking.
Don’t miss your chance to own this limited series of artwork and let it transform your space into a sanctuary of peace and understanding. Discover a powerful visual narrative that embodies unity and diversity with "This Is What Peace Looks Like" by Carl Broady. This exquisite photo-art captures the calm coexistence of different cultures in New York City. Muslim women, draped in traditional attire, peacefully contemplate on one side, while Jewish women engage in their own world on the opposite end. The central subway pole symbolizes both the invisible barriers that sometimes divide us and the spirit that encourages connection.
Behind them, the bold proclamation of "one planet" serves as a poignant reminder of our shared humanity. This stunning image captures coexistence, inspiring viewers to embrace the beauty of our differences and the unifying force of peace. Perfect for collectors or those seeking meaningful art, this piece is a conversation starter and an invitation to reflect on harmonious living in a diverse world.
100% OF THE PROCEEDS BENEFIT THE FATA Fund, Inc.
This year get ready to immerse yourself in a spectacular fusion of fashion and art at The Tents 2025 Annual Fashion and Art Celebration! Prepare to be dazzled by cutting-edge fashion designs, captivating art installations, and unforgettable experiences. This is an event you won't want to miss! Stay tuned for more details and sneak peeks. Let's make this festival the most talked-about event of the year!
We envision a world where the arts are an integral part of every community, and where artists are valued and supported for their contributions. Our organization is dedicated to making this vision a reality.
One of the great achievements of the United Nations is the creation of a comprehensive body of human rights law—a universal and internationally protected code to which all nations can subscribe and all people aspire. The United Nations has defined a broad range of internationally accepted rights, including civil, cultural, economic, political and social rights. It has also established mechanisms to promote and protect these rights and to assist states in carrying out their responsibilities.
Founded by Bono and Bobby Shriver in n 2006, (RED) collaborates with renowned brands and influential figures to develop products and
experiences that generate funds, awareness, and urgency to combat AIDS.
Since our founding in 2021, Fashion and The Arts has made a significant impact on the local arts community. We have helped to launch the careers of many talented artists, provided accessible cultural experiences to thousands of people, and contributed to the economic and social vitality of our region.
In order to maintain our independence, we rely solely
on the generosity of people like you to keep us going.
Eric Hernandez, a celebrated Native American hoop dancer, has dedicated his life to breaking stereotypes and embracing his cultural identity. Through mesmerizing hoop dance performances—a traditional healing ceremony—he shares his personal journey of overcoming fear and societal pressures. Listen above to this TEDx Talk was given and independently organized using the TED conference format.
Vegan fashion emphasizes clothing and accessories crafted from materials that avoid the use of animals or their exploitation. It steers clear of leather, fur, wool, and silk, instead opting for sustainable and cruelty-free alternatives. We discovered Conscious Step. A vegan friendly brand that donates to worthy causes.
Depression often begins in the teens, 20s or 30s, but it can happen at any age. More women than men are diagnosed with depression, but this may be due in part because women are more likely to seek treatment.
Thankfully many efforts are being mademade to raise awareness about mental health disparities and advocate for policy changes that prioritize mental well-being.
Racial and ethnic minorities in the United States encounter distinct challenges regarding mental illness. In 2020, less than half of African American adults received mental health care. Moreover, in 2018, Asian Americans were 60 percent less likely to obtain mental health treatment compared to non-Hispanic Whites. Common barriers include inadequate health insurance, limited treatment access, and societal stigma. Managing mental health can be difficult, but thankfully, resources are available for assistance.
Bebe Moore Campbell was a literary trailblazer, who co-founded NAMI Urban Los Angeles and became a national change agent whose groundbreaking work revolutionized the way we approach mental health in underserved communities. She recognized and understood the detrimental consequences of silence rooted in stigma — one of the reasons for the lack of mental health care and treatment within communities of color.
Excellent mental health equips you with increased energy to deliver exceptional work and sharpens your focus. Designers and artists often encounter the challenge of fulfilling work tasks within tight time constraints. Faced with substantial workloads and stringent deadlines, they might take shortcuts such as multitasking across various projects or job-hopping, which can inadvertently stifle their creative process. Engaging in repetitive tasks can sap one's creativity. Additionally, the challenge of being in environments or collaborating with individuals who fail to comprehend or appreciate our work compounds the issue.
The relationship between the arts and mental health is well established in the field of art therapy, which applies arts-based techniques (like painting, dancing and role play) as evidence-based interventions for mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression.
We want to take a moment this month to acknowledge all the wonderful mothers in our community. For you are the backbone of healthy communities and we treasure everything there is about you. Take a moment this moth to cherish yours and say, "Thank you."
Learn the history of the holiday and its origins, then share your knowledge with others. Support Mexican businesses. Enjoy the foods of Mexico! Support the culture of Mexico with trips to galleries and art museums. Listen to Mexican music. See a Baile Folklorico performance. Attend parades, parties, festivals and DANCE!
Kirsty Latoya is a South London-based digital artist, who creates compelling contemporary art using her finger as a stylus on an iPad. Her “Emotion Series” sheds light on mental health issues within the black community. Latoya channels her own hurt and sadness into her work, creating art that resonates emotionally with others. We love her work and are sure you will too. You can explore more of her work
Reading is fundamental but did you know it also can helps improve mental well-being by reducing stress and providing a healthy escape? Not only that but reading strengthens the neural circuits and pathways of our brain while lowering heart rate and blood pressure. Learn more
Jhené Aiko Efuru Chilombo is an American R & B singer, songwriter, rapper and producer. She is of mixed heritage with roots in Japan. Her musical sound can be described as a captivating blend of soulful music and spiritual healing. Jhené Aiko integrates crystal sound bowls, also known as singing bowls, in much of her music. These bowls are part of a Tibetan tradition where round vessels, when played, vibrate at specific frequencies connected to different chakras. If you haven't already, listen to her music and woo sah.
MENTOR New York drives equity by fostering safe and effective mentoring relationships for young people wherever they live, learn, work, and play. Discover how you can bring mentorships to your school, workplace, and community. They also list other national organizations.
Our mission is to cultivate creativity, facilitate access, and equip young and old community members to lead productive, positive, and healthy lives through the mediums of fashion and the arts. We offer artists from diverse disciplines a high-quality platform to exhibit their work and refine their skills. Our commitment extends to em
Our mission is to cultivate creativity, facilitate access, and equip young and old community members to lead productive, positive, and healthy lives through the mediums of fashion and the arts. We offer artists from diverse disciplines a high-quality platform to exhibit their work and refine their skills. Our commitment extends to empowering underserved communities by embracing, understanding, and including all individuals in every facet of life. This is all achieved through the transformative power of fashion and the arts.
Founded in 2008, the parent company Fashion And The Arts established the FATA Fund, Inc. to extend our reach. FATA has been a home for artists and art enthusiasts alike for over a decade. We have grown from a small group of friends who shared a passion for the arts to a thriving organization. We offer a range of events, workshops, exhibitions and outreach community programs throughout the year.
Our diverse team is made up of dedicated and talented individuals who share a commitment to our mission. From our board of directors to our volunteers, everyone at the FATA Fund works tirelessly to create a welcoming and inclusive arts community. We have established an environment that welcomes individuals with developmental disabilities,
Our diverse team is made up of dedicated and talented individuals who share a commitment to our mission. From our board of directors to our volunteers, everyone at the FATA Fund works tirelessly to create a welcoming and inclusive arts community. We have established an environment that welcomes individuals with developmental disabilities, all genders, and ethnicity. We acknowledge everyone's unique strengths and differences, ensuring they have access to the same opportunities as others.
There are so many ways to get involved in our arts community. Drop us a line to find out about events, volunteer opportunities and fundraisers! contact@fatafund.org
There are many ways to get involved with The FATA Fund, from volunteering your time to donating to our cause. Join our community and help us make a difference in the lives of people through the power of fashion and the arts.