Albany Museum of Art Receives Grant to Celebrate America 250

The museum will commission a mural by artist Shanequa Gay and host a 'Lift Every Voice' concert in 2026.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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The Albany Museum of Art (AMA) has received a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts to create programming and events celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States in 2026. The museum plans to commission a mural by artist Shanequa Gay and host a 'Lift Every Voice' concert featuring musical performances.

Why it matters

The AMA's programming will help commemorate the nation's 250th birthday and highlight the rich cultural heritage of Albany, Georgia. The mural and concert will bring the community together to reflect on America's history and the ongoing fight for equality and justice.

The details

The grant will allow the AMA to commission a large-scale mural by acclaimed artist Shanequa Gay that will be displayed prominently at the museum. The mural's design will draw inspiration from Albany's history and culture. Additionally, the museum will host a 'Lift Every Voice' concert in 2026 featuring musical acts celebrating the diversity of American music.

  • The AMA received the grant in February 2026.
  • The Shanequa Gay mural is scheduled to be unveiled in the summer of 2026.
  • The 'Lift Every Voice' concert is planned for the fall of 2026.

The players

Dr. Andy Wulf

Executive Director of the Albany Museum of Art.

Shanequa Gay

An acclaimed artist who will create a mural for the Albany Museum of Art's America 250 celebration.

Nicole Smith

A musician involved in planning the 'Lift Every Voice' concert at the Albany Museum of Art.

W. Frank Wilson

A musician involved in planning the 'Lift Every Voice' concert at the Albany Museum of Art.

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What they’re saying

“We're thrilled to receive this grant from the National Endowment for the Arts to create programming that celebrates America's 250th birthday and the rich cultural heritage of Albany.”

— Dr. Andy Wulf, Executive Director, Albany Museum of Art (WALB)

What’s next

The AMA will begin the process of selecting and commissioning the mural artist in the coming months, with the goal of unveiling the completed work in the summer of 2026. Planning for the 'Lift Every Voice' concert will also ramp up, with the museum working to secure musical acts and finalize the event details.

The takeaway

The Albany Museum of Art's America 250 programming will bring the community together to celebrate the nation's history and diversity through public art and music, highlighting Albany's own rich cultural heritage.