The Block, 1978

The Romare Bearden Foundation Mission

The Romare Bearden Foundation was established in 1990 as a non-profit organization by the estate of Romare Bearden (1911-1988) to preserve and perpetuate the legacy of this preeminent American artist.

The Foundation realizes its mission by: preserving a collection of Bearden's artworks and extensive archives of books, articles, letters, photographs and other materials; hosting, supporting and presenting scholarly and public programs, including symposia, panel presentations and school-based programs featuring Bearden's art and life; providing support for and encouragement of museum exhibitions and new scholarly research on Bearden and his contributions to twentieth-century art.

Our Mission

The Romare Bearden Foundation is dedicated to preserving, celebrating, and advancing the artistic and cultural legacy of Romare Bearden. Through exhibitions, educational programs, and public initiatives, we ensure that Bearden’s impact continues to inspire future generations of artists, scholars, and communities.

How We Fulfill Our Mission:

Celebrating Bearden’s Legacy – Archiving and exhibiting Bearden’s works to maintain his influence on American art and culture.
Education & Research – Supporting scholars, educators, and students through accessible resources and programs.
Community Engagement – Collaborating with institutions and artists to expand cultural conversations and artistic expression.
Supporting Emerging Artists – Providing mentorship and funding opportunities for creatives inspired by Bearden’s work.

Learn more about Bearden’s artistic impact:

Our History

Founded in 1990, the Romare Bearden Foundation was established by the artist’s wife, Nanette Rohan Bearden, just two years after his passing. With the help of friend and lawyer Gregory Perrin, they laid the groundwork for preserving the artist’s legacy.

Nanette was a lover of dance, and founder of the Nanette Bearden Contemporary Dance Theatre (NBCDT). The company was a welcome home to many young dancers between auditions and touring gigs. Many went on to dance in prestigious companies and establish their own. Nanette was also a mentor to her youngest sister, Sheila Rohan, who went on to be a principal dancer in the first company of Dance Theatre of Harlem, and later taught at Alvin Ailey Dance Company, and as Ballet Mistress for NBCDT.

Nanette Bearden was from a family of eight girls born to parents from the French Caribbean island of St. Martin. Three other sisters aided in the growth of the Foundation- Evelyn Jackson, Marie Rohan, and Dorothe Rohan Dow. This was the team that led the Foundation after Nanette’s death in 1996.

Following Nanette’s vision, the Foundation entered a period of strategic growth under the leadership of Dorothe Dow, a Rohan sister and dedicated arts administrator and advocate who helped guide the transition from a family initiative to a structured nonprofit organization in Manhattan. She also worked with Nanette to establish a gallery on the island of St. Martin and to create exchanges with local artists there.

In the early 2000s, Joan Sandler, an accomplished arts administrator, served as Executive Director. During her tenure, Sandler is credited with shepherding the successful book project, L’il Dan: A Drummer Boy, published by Simon and Schuster in 2003. She expanded the Foundation’s focus on community-based arts education, national partnerships, and cultural programming.

Later, under Grace Stanislaus, President & CEO, the Foundation deepened its collaborations with major museums, led a landmark New York Citywide Celebration of Bearden’s legacy, and expanded the Foundation’s national visibility. Grace also played a pivotal role in shaping long-term strategic planning and strengthening the Board of Directors, laying essential groundwork for the Foundation’s next chapter.

Instrumental to the development of educational programming was Pamela Ford, the Director of Education at the Foundation from 2005-2008. Ms. Ford expanded the community-based arts program and led the team, which included Rise Wilson and Halima Taha, in developing the Romare Bearden in the Classroom, the K-12 curriculum packet.

Today, the Foundation is led by Co-Directors Diedra Harris-Kelley and Johanne Bryant Reid, whose shared vision continues to guide the organization, focusing on mentorship, community impact, and digital innovation.

Partnerships

Key Board members- E.T. Williams, Joseph. J. Johnson, Tallal ELBoushi, Bearden’s nephew, and a long-time Board member.

Key Milestones in Our History:

Establishing the Foundation

1990s
- Formalized operations, and built an engaged Board of Directors.
- Launched Bearden Scholarship Programs to support emerging artists and scholars.
- Partnered with large institutions for major exhibitions, and to complete mural projects.

Expanding Bearden’s Reach

2000s
- Organized the largest retrospective of Bearden’s work, showcased at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, The Whitney Museum, and other major institutions.
- Led a six-month New York Citywide Celebration of Bearden’s legacy, engaging over 20 cultural organizations.
- Developed educational initiatives in partnership with The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and schools nationwide.
- Established the Cinque Artists Program, providing grants and mentorship for emerging Black artists.

Digital & Global Initiatives

2010s-Present
- Initiated the Romare Bearden Digital Catalogue Raisonné Project to create a comprehensive online archive of his work.
- Established the Cinque Artists Program, providing grants and mentorship for emerging Black artists.
- Expanded Bearden’s global reach through traveling exhibitions and academic research collaborations.

Looking Ahead

The Foundation continues to innovate, expanding its efforts in digital accessibility, arts education, and artist support. Future initiatives include:

Digital Expansion – Increasing access to Bearden’s work through online exhibitions and virtual programs.
Education & Scholarship – Growing resources for educators and students studying Bearden’s artistic legacy.
Public Engagement – Hosting new exhibitions, symposiums, and collaborations with cultural institutions worldwide.

Join us in preserving Bearden’s legacy:

Passing the Baton: Honoring Our Past Executive Directors

The Romare Bearden Foundation has been shaped by the vision and leadership of its dedicated Executive Directors:

Nanette Rohan Bearden (1990–1996) – Founding President, dancer, and choreographer, who laid the groundwork for the Foundation’s mission.
Dorothe Dow – Early Executive Director who helped formalize operations and expand community and institutional partnerships.
Joan Sandler – Arts advocate and educator who guided the Foundation’s expansion into national educational programming and cultural activism.
Grace Stanislaus – Executive Director during a period of strategic growth, Grace led the Foundation through a major New York Citywide Celebration of Bearden’s work, strengthened the Board of Directors, and advanced strategic planning efforts that expanded the Foundation’s national and international impact.
Diedra Harris-Kelley and Johanne Bryant Reid (current Co-Directors) – Together, they continue to advance Bearden’s legacy through innovative programs, strategic partnerships, and a deep commitment to mentorship and community building.

Each leader has contributed to the Foundation’s growth and enduring commitment to Bearden’s artistic and cultural legacy.