Meet the 2024 recipients of the Duolingo Community Arts Program grant

At Duolingo, we are proud to be a Pittsburgh-based company, and we strive to be the best neighbors we can in our East Liberty community. That's why, in October 2020, we committed $150,000 to a community arts initiative that would provide funding and resources for public art projects in Pittsburgh.

Like last year, there are three winners for the artist grant, as well as a merit award given to another three artists to partially fund exceptional projects. See last year's winners here and read more about this year's winning projects!

We are proud to announce this year's winners: Celeta Hickman, Ahmed "Tacumba" Turner Jr., and Jason Sauer.

We would also like to congratulate merit award recipients: Gregory Scott Williams Jr. and Josh Inklovich. These artists proposed well-thought-out projects that intentionally involve, empower, educate, and advocate for the community in which the projects will occur.

Meet the 2024 Duolingo Community Arts Program grant recipients

From left: Celeta Hickman, Jason Sauer, and Ahmed "Tacumba" Turner Jr.

Celeta Hickman

Face the East is a short film project and curriculum inspired by the Akan theory of Sankofa, featuring figures of love, truth, peace, freedom, and justice represented by the African deity Orishanla. The 2-4 minute film includes poetry, costume design, and choreography. Filming will take place in Pittsburgh's Garfield, Homewood, and Lincoln-Larimer communities, with public screenings at local schools to engage students and families. Inspired by a 2011 artist residency in Ireland, the project aims to inspire discussions on gender equality and community uplift. Scheduled for release during Black History Month 2025, it is part of the "A Black Bead Story: The Digital Spectacles" series.

Jason Sauer

Most Wanted Fine Art (MWFA) aims to invigorate Garfield's green spaces with sculptures, led by renowned artist Jason Sauer. Children will engage in environmentally-themed sculpting, guided by Sauer, creating dynamic pieces reflecting community values. Careful site selection ensures sculptures integrate seamlessly into Garfield's landscape, sparking dialogue and contemplation. Three locations with cement pads serve as focal points, one anchored by Sauer, another for youth collaborations, and a third for diverse artists' contributions. As installations unfold, neglected areas transform into vibrant hubs, inviting exploration, connection, and environmental stewardship, fostering lasting community change.

Ahmed "Tacumba" Turner Jr.

The Future Is Black empowers emerging artists in Pittsburgh's East Liberty, Garfield, Larimer, Homewood, Wilkinsburg, and surrounding communities. The flagship initiative, "The Creative Fellowship," is an 8-month incubator starting August 2024, supporting 10-15 local BIPOC creatives with skills, networks, and resources. The fellowship includes visibility enhancement, sales expansion, and monthly community design labs, culminating in an art showcase to foster marketability and growth. In collaboration with Liberate X, Brewhouse Arts, and The Equity Impact Center, they provide technology, unique spaces, and backend support.

Meet the merit award recipients

Josh Inklovich

As a dedicated volunteer at the Northway Christian Community Teen Hub in East Liberty, Josh is expanding efforts to engage at-risk teens in urban agriculture, local cuisine, and nature-inspired art. Funding will support the enhancement of programs that nurture connections between teens and sustainability. Workshops on urban farming, food tours, and cooking classes, will deepen their understanding of food and community. Nature-inspired art sessions will encourage creative expression using natural elements. Through this project, Josh aims to empower teens with skills, foster community pride, and ignite a passion for sustainable living and artistic creativity.

Gregory Scott Williams Jr.

Warriors, based in East Liberty, includes a documentary film and multimedia exhibition featuring large-scale protest prints and Kierra's Dance, a nonlinear documentary blending social media content and protest footage. It aims to empower subjects to tell their stories and portrays the relationship between protesters and non-protesters, highlighting ordinary Americans rarely discussed in protest narratives. Warriors presents an intimate portrait of a Pittsburgh teen alongside protest scenes, offering a dynamic exploration of social movements and individual perspectives.

Our 2024 sponsored arts organizations

In our ongoing effort to be a good neighbor, we recognize the importance of supporting the community we're excited to be a part of.

As such, we are pleased to sponsor art organizations who, in their endless community work, simultaneously create, maintain, and uplift the lively culture that sustains us all. These arts organizations include: Alumni Theater Company, Assemble, Homewood YMCA Lighthouse Project, Kelly Strayhorn Theater, Level Up Studios, Shiftworks Community + Public Arts, Silver Eye Center for Photography, The Equity | Impact Center, and Union Project.

The applications for the next round of funding will open up early next year. In the future, we hope to see more applications from artists who were able to take advantage of the training and professional development offered by our partnering arts organizations.

To learn more about the Duolingo Community Arts Program, please visit our website, or email [email protected] with any questions.

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