by Rob Taylor Jr., Courier Staff Writer
The New Pittsburgh Courier has learned that artists in the Pittsburgh region are vying to create the artwork that will be placed on a Pittsburgh Penguins jersey for Black History Month (February) in 2026.
The Courier has also learned that the artist whose artwork is chosen will win a significant financial prize, thanks to The Forbes Funds, as part of a partnership between Kofi Collections and the foundation called the Creatives Inclusive Fund.
The artwork will be placed on jerseys that Penguins players may wear during practice and warmups, and other jerseys displaying the Black History-style artwork will be made available for sale at PPG Paints Arena and online.
Kofi Collections is led by Quincy “Kofi” Swatson. It was founded in 2024.
Roughly 20 artists have submitted their artwork as of Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2025, according to Swatson, in an interview with the Courier. Artists looking to apply must first fill out an introductory form by Thursday, Nov. 20. After the form is completed online, the official application will be sent to the artist. All final applications must be submitted by Friday, Nov. 21, 2025.
In addition to the significant financial prize that Swatson told the Courier was $2,000, the winning artist will get tickets to the Penguins’ Black History Month hockey game in February 2026, their custom Penguins Black History Month jersey and other prizes.
The winner of the contest should be announced by December 10, 2025, according to Swatson.
Swatson told the Courier his mission is to uplift and amplify local artists, “underrepresented voices in the art world,” as its put on his website, koficollections.org.
“I’m just focused on shining light on emerging and advancing artistry in our region who have a story to tell, specifically marginalized communities,” Swatson told the Courier, Nov. 19.
Link to apply is below.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSef7MRxpXzHU0JPVjdrF0hEQqppLQ7cpfpwYGuoUkP4SkY-OQ/viewform
For more information on Kofi Collections, go to koficollections.org
(Photo of Quincy “Kofi” Swatson below taken by Emmai Alaquiva)
