Founded by Jacqueline Woodson in 2018, the mission of Baldwin For The Arts is to create a nurturing residency for artists of the Global Majority to explore, create, and breathe, free from the distractions and hindrances of everyday life. One of the few creative residencies exclusively for artists of the Global Majority, Baldwin seeks to support the creation of art that reflects the lived experiences of African, Asian, indigenous, and dual-heritage backgrounds by advancing the careers of historically underrepresented literary, visual, and performing artists.

Baldwin For The Arts, a 501c3 non-profit organization, endeavors to change the artistic landscape so that it may reflect the world in which we live, challenging this field's history of leaving too many talented Global Majority artists of all ages, genders, and backgrounds unrecognized and unsupported. As a residency exclusively devoted to people of the Global Majority, Baldwin For The Arts is committed to cultivating the artistic and professional growth of artists of all disciplines.

Sitting on land just 60 miles north of New York City, Baldwin For The Arts is positioned to be as accessible as possible. All costs for artists accepted to the residency—housing, workspace, travel, food, and other necessities—are covered. Food will be sourced in part from a garden and greenhouse on the premises. Currently, there is space for one to two fellows at a time. A multi-phase construction will eventually allow housing for more fellows, engendering community-based support and connection.

In addition to residencies, future plans for Baldwin include performance/exhibitions of residents’ work, small conferences and weekend retreats for artists and artists’ organizations, opportunities for professional growth, and ongoing, long-term community building between past and current fellows.