Cheryl Finley Receives Prestigious Driskell Prize for Contributions to African American Art

Cheryl Finley, a distinguished leader in visual arts and culture at Spelman College, has been awarded the prestigious David C. Driskell Prize, an accolade recognizing significant contributions to African American art and art history. This honor underscores Finley's pivotal role in shaping academic discourse and fostering future generations of art professionals, particularly within historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs).

Distinguished Scholar Cheryl Finley Awarded David C. Driskell Prize by Atlanta's High Museum of Art

In a momentous announcement on May 27, 2026, Cheryl Finley, the visionary director of visual arts and culture at Spelman College, was named the recipient of the esteemed David C. Driskell Prize. This distinguished award, established in 2005 by the High Museum of Art in Atlanta, includes a substantial grant of $50,000 and celebrates individuals whose work profoundly influences African American art and its scholarly interpretation. Finley's leadership extends to overseeing the Atlanta University Center Art History + Curatorial Studies Collective, a program she has guided since 2019. This initiative is dedicated to cultivating Black arts professionals, scholars, and curators within and beyond HBCU communities. Her academic endeavors also include co-organizing the influential 'Black Portraiture[s]' academic conference, which commenced in 2013 and focuses on the intricate study of African diasporic art and culture. Furthermore, Finley is a prolific author, with notable works such as Committed to Memory: The Art of the Slave Ship Icon and the co-authored My Soul Has Grown Deep: Black Art from the American South, solidifying her reputation as a leading voice in the field. Rand Suffolk, the director of the High Museum, commended Finley's unique position at the nexus of academic research and institutional transformation, highlighting her continuous investment in nurturing emerging leaders in the visual arts. Finley, in turn, expressed deep gratitude for the award, acknowledging David C. Driskell as a profound friend and mentor whose legacy continues to inspire her work. She emphasized the critical importance of the Driskell Prize, especially amidst contemporary challenges to arts and education funding, in recognizing innovative pedagogy, collaborative efforts, and academic excellence at HBCUs as catalysts for the next generation of global arts leaders.

Finley's recognition with the David C. Driskell Prize serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring significance of African American art and the critical role of institutions like Spelman College and the High Museum in championing its scholarship and preservation. Her work inspires a renewed commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion within the art world, fostering an environment where diverse voices and narratives can flourish. This award not only celebrates Finley's individual achievements but also underscores the collective impact of those dedicated to expanding our understanding and appreciation of cultural heritage.