Growing up visiting museums, Kaci Merriwether-Hawkins rarely saw herself reflected in the artwork on display—or even among the visitors. But over the past four years, through Black Girls in Art Spaces—a global community that celebrates Black women and their creativity in all its forms—she has been reshaping the conversation about who belongs in the cultural world.

At a time when cultural institutions face severe underfunding, women on social media are stepping up their support for these fields, calling themselves “Women in G.L.A.M.” (Galleries, Libraries, Archives, and Museums). By sharing glimpses of their days in the archives or their visits to the local library, they are pushing back against the idea that cultural work is a fading industry. This isn’t just a passing trend—it reflects a real and growing demand for meaningful investment in the creative and intellectual spaces that drive culture forward.

“The arts connect us to our humanity in such a powerful way,” says Merriwether-Hawkins. An artist herself, she has worked for years as a photographer and content creator. But it wasn’t until she visited Kwame Brathwaite’s traveling “Black Is Beautiful” exhibition in 2022 that she realized she wanted to build community and challenge the assumption that Black women don’t belong in the fine art world. That experience inspired her to launch BGIAS—long before Women in G.L.A.M. became a social media trend. What began as an online platform to share her art experiences has since grown into an international organization.

“I see Black Girls in Art Spaces as a kind of community garden. I may have planted the seed, but it was never mine alone to water,” she tells Vogue. “This is a community-led community. We thrive on the support of the women involved, and I couldn’t do it without them.”

BGIAS now includes local chapters from New York and Dallas to London and Nairobi, where members organize gatherings. Their events range from exhibition tours and artist talks to theater performances and private workshops. Merriwether-Hawkins sees her role as empowering members to engage actively with the arts in their communities and to form lasting connections.

She also focuses on breaking down barriers in an industry that has long felt closed off to many. By building relationships with museum professionals—from curators to public program coordinators—she helps bridge the gap between institutions and the audiences they aim to reach.

“One thing I love about BGIAS is that it allows me to be a connector,” Merriwether-Hawkins shares. “We’re not only connecting people to art, but also to opportunities.”

“Having the chance to speak with curators, artists, and museum professionals is invaluable,” says archivist and BGIAS member Asha Abdul-Mujeeb. “That’s something that might not happen without BGIAS, especially for those not already in the field. Many women come to these events precisely because they want that access.”

The art world can feel intimidating to those with little exposure to it—but by creating spaces for connection, Merriwether-Hawkins extends an open invitation to show up and belong. “It’s beautiful to see the transformation at these events. People might start out a little reserved, but by the end, everyone comes alive. You can feel the joy in the room,” she says.

“I get emotional thinking about how it feels to see Black women comfortable and at ease—but that’s really why I started this,” Merriwether-Hawkins adds. Her ultimate goal is simple: a more inclusive art world for everyone.

Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions about Kaci MerriwetherHawkins Black Girls in Art Spaces

Beginner Foundational Questions

1 Who is Kaci MerriwetherHawkins
Kaci MerriwetherHawkins is the visionary founder and driving force behind Black Girls in Art Spaces She is a community builder and advocate dedicated to creating opportunities and visibility for Black women in creative and cultural fields

2 What is Black Girls in Art Spaces
Black Girls in Art Spaces is a global community and platform specifically for Black women working in or aspiring to join the GLAM fieldsGalleries Libraries Archives and Museums Its a space for connection professional development and support

3 What does GLAM stand for
GLAM is an acronym for Galleries Libraries Archives and Museums These are the core cultural and knowledgebased institutions that BGAS focuses on

4 What is the main goal of BGAS
The main goal is to build a worldwide supportive community that empowers Black women in GLAM by providing resources fostering networking amplifying their work and advocating for greater representation and equity within these industries

5 How can I join or get involved
You can get involved by following BGAS on its main social media platforms and joining its online community Look for announcements about membership virtual events meetups and professional development workshops

Advanced Practical Questions

6 What are the biggest challenges BGAS addresses for Black women in GLAM
BGAS directly tackles issues like isolation and lack of mentorship systemic barriers to hiring and advancement the wage gap and the underrepresentation of Black women in leadership roles and public narratives within these fields

7 What kind of benefits or resources does the community offer
Benefits include access to a private network for peer support and mentorship job boards and career opportunities skillbuilding workshops and panels collaborative projects and a platform to showcase personal and professional achievements

8 Can I join if Im just starting my career or exploring GLAM
Absolutely BGAS is for women at all stagesfrom students and careerchangers