TWELVE GATES’ STORY
Twelve Gates Arts, established in 2009, is a non-profit organization based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and a leading platform for South Asian diasporic contemporary art. Rooted in cultural sustainability and equity, we provide spaces to explore the realities of migration, identity, and cultural exchange. As the only gallery in the region dedicated to South Asian diasporic art, we amplify underrepresented voices and foster meaningful engagement between artists, audiences, and communities. The "gates" refer to the fortified gates that walled many ancient cities such as Delhi, Lahore, Jerusalem, and Rhodes - inside which lay the heart of each city's art and culture, and today this reference offers perspectives on history and possibilities.
HOW WE WORK
12G’s operational model thrives on internal collaborations, particularly through our guest curator initiative and residency program. These initiatives help sustain our programming while maintaining gallery intimacy. By fostering partnerships, we ensure equitable opportunities, fair compensation, and necessary resources for curators and artists. Our collaborative approach, including joint discussions and shared decision-making, integrates diverse perspectives into each project.
OUR COMMUNITY
Most of our constituents, including first-time visitors, are from the South Asian diaspora. Our programming and events engage South Asian artists, scholars and audience members who seek fuller, more nuanced representation of the region and diaspora; and members of the broader public interested in contemporary art, dialogue, and insights emerging from diasporic contexts. 12G actively prioritizes challenging dominant voices and engaging marginalized groups, including women and people from LGBTQ+, BIPOC, disabled, and low-income communities.
Twelve Gates aims to bring programs that are usually gate-kept in academic institutions to a much more intimate space which is accessible and free to people of all ages. Twelve Gates Arts has launched an Accessibility Initiative with Art-Reach and VisionLink. Art-Reach connects the disability community to the arts through advocacy, while VisionLink enhances access for individuals with vision loss. In 2025, 12G will continue to offer virtual and sensory tours for its exhibitions, ensuring accessibility for all and reinforcing its commitment to inclusivity and equity in the arts beyond race and ethnicity.
WHO SUPPORTS US
Twelve Gates Arts appreciates the support from foundations, corporate, government, members, and individual donors that make our exhibitions and programming possible. The growth of our organization and quality of our programming could not happen without this support. Thank you!
