The Beauford Delaney Project
Where Scholarship Meets Community
A digital humanities initiative by the Wells International Foundation
The Beauford Delaney Project is a digital humanities initiative that
honors the life and legacy of Beauford Delaney—
an artist whose work transcended boundaries,
even as it was shaped by his experiences as a Black man in the United States and abroad.
More than a tribute, it is a bridge—connecting generations, cultures, and communities through art, education, and global engagement.
Grounded in Delaney’s life and legacy, this project invites young people and those who support them to experience the power of creativity, curiosity, and connection.
Led by the Wells International Foundation (WIF), this work advances a mission to open doors through the arts, STEAM education (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics), and international travel. Students not only learn about Delaney’s artistic contributions—they begin to see themselves as creators, critical thinkers, and participants in a larger global story.
Through the Arts, students are encouraged to explore identity, expression, and emotion. Delaney’s journey as an artist offers a powerful model of resilience and authenticity, and his work becomes a catalyst for conversations that help young people find their own voice while honoring the experiences of others.
Through STEAM, students engage in critical thinking, problem solving, and interdisciplinary learning that connects art to technology, history, and innovation—reflecting WIF’s belief that creativity and intellect are deeply interconnected ways of understanding the world.
Through Travel, Delaney’s international journey becomes a lived experience. As students visit places that shaped his life, including Paris, they gain exposure to new cultures and perspectives that foster empathy, expand worldviews, and help students see themselves as part of an interconnected world.
AND THE IMPACT? YOU SEE IT IN:
a student who begins to recognize their own potential
conversations that open hearts and deepen understanding
connections and opportunities that continue to shape lives over time
Our Three Pillars
1. Digital Platform and Archive
A searchable archive and a hub for new scholarship, this platform has been launched in celebration of the 16th anniversary of the Les Amis de Beauford Delaney blog (December 2025). It will feature contributions from undergraduate and graduate students, including research, multimedia storytelling, and creative work inspired by Delaney’s legacy.
2. Study Abroad in Paris
A Beauford Delaney-focused study abroad program for University of Tennessee Knoxville students—especially those who have never traveled internationally. Participants will explore Paris through Delaney’s experience, with plans to expand access to students from universities across the United States.
3. The Beauford Delaney Scholarship Fund
A scholarship initiative supporting graduate students across disciplines, including art history, Black/African American studies, queer studies, art therapy, cultural geography and tourism, and music. The goal is to build a national network of scholars engaged in the study of Delaney’s life and impact.
Through the Beauford Delaney Project, WIF is expanding both scholarship and access—
ensuring that the story of Beauford Delaney reaches communities like the one
that shaped him in Knoxville, Tennessee.
His life story is a powerful reminder that creativity can open doors to new worlds.
As research continues to uncover deeper insights into Delaney’s work,
this project ensures that knowledge does not remain confined to academic spaces,
but is shared widely as a source of inspiration, opportunity, and transformation.
Latest Blogs
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Latest Blogs *
The Beauford Delaney Project advances the Wells International Foundation’s long-term vision for growth, sustainability, and impact.