Haifa Bint-Kadi Wins Grant to Craft "Memory Palace" Sculptures

Haifa Bint-Kadi, a renowned artist hailing from Yonkers, has been honored with an artist grant by the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) for her visionary project, Memory Palace. This grant funds Bint-Kadi's endeavor to create a series of 3-D mosaic sculptures accompanied by immersive sound installations. The aim is to encapsulate the essence of nostalgia and memory associated with the concept of home.

About Haifa

Haifa Bint-Kadi, a first generation Palestinian-Afro-Caribbean American, is a multifaceted artist, curator, and educator. Trained in Italy as a classical mosaicist, she has been designing public art since 1993. She holds an M.F.A. from Istituto d'Arte per il Mosaico in Ravenna and a certificate in curation from Sotheby's in New York City. Haifa's creations span across New York State, from sculpture parks symbolizing global connectivity to large scale mosaics revitalizing urban spaces. As curator for the Yonkers Public Library 's Riverfront Art Gallery, she champions arts for social justice, empowering generations through creativity and expression. Recognized with prestigious awards, including the Kennedy Center's STEAM Educator Award, Haifa remains dedicated to art as a catalyst for healing, identity, and exploration.

Haifa's art

Her project seeks to evoke shared emotions that resonate universally, regardless of cultural or generational backgrounds. Bint-Kadi expressed her inspiration for this work transcending geographical boundaries and generations.

Memories of my childhood homes, once ethereal and intangible, demand a physical form that can transcend time and connect with others, invoking remembrance.

CityLore, a prominent cultural organization in NYC sponsored Bint-Kadi's application and announced the $10,00 award. The grant represents NYSCA's commitment to support arts and culture. Since the spring of 2023, the group awarded over $80 million to artists and organizations across the state.

NYSCA Chair Katerine Nicholls expressed pride in supporting artists that contribute to the state's cultural landscape. She emphasized the diverse range of recipients, from Bint-Kadi to other renowned performers and community arts collectives.

On behalf of the Council and staff, congratulations to Haifa Bint-Kadi and thank you for your perseverance, your creativity and your tireless service to New York State.

Haifa Bint-Kadi's Memory Palace project epitomizes the transformative power of art, transcending boundaries to evoke profound emotions and memories. As she embarks on this creative journey, Bint-Kadi's work promises to leave an indelible mark on our vibrant artistic home.