Undergraduate and graduate students developing projects that use art and design practice and thinking to create a new paradigm for racial understanding, equity, and inclusion may apply.

About Y. L. Hoi

As a successful self-made businessman in the Chinese furniture, arts and crafts trade, Y.L. Hoi worked to connect quality products to an international consumer base. Through his keen business sense and ingenuity, combined with an openness to new partnerships and international expansion, Y.L. Hoi developed a highly successful business that endured over five decades.

For his family, his vision extended beyond his home in mainland China and Hong Kong, to provide his descendants with opportunities to develop and learn beyond their country of origin. At the same time, he firmly believed that civic and educational engagement began at home. Recognizing that education and philanthropy are the cornerstones of community Hoi and his wife decided to bequeath most of his estate to universities and charities in Hong Kong. Y.L. Hoi embodied the principles of inclusion and access to opportunity for all, regardless of race, class, or creed.

Y.L. Hoi Award

The Y.L. Hoi Memorial Award supports students as creative agents of change in Baltimore. Students developing projects that use art and design practice and thinking to create a new paradigm for racial and/or ethnic understanding, equity, and inclusion may apply. Proposed projects should:

• Promote racial and/or ethnic understanding, equity, and/or inclusion;
• Incorporate art and design practice and thinking;
• Be designed and implemented in partnership with Baltimore community organizations or groups serving Baltimore neighborhoods and;
• Leverage the strengths of MICA (e.g., other students, programs, initiatives, alumni, network, etc.)

Awarded projects should be a catalyst for Baltimore communities - raising awareness, empowering individuals, and fostering positive change. Undergraduate students of all artistic approaches, mediums, and disciplines are welcome to apply.

Applicants may apply for up to $5000 in funding for such expenses as materials, supplies, entrance fees, and transportation that are integral to the development or implementation of qualifying projects. Grantees may apply for funding to compensate commissioned artists or guest speakers participating in projects.