Arts Partnerships
JOY + JUSTICE THROUGH ART
Joy as an Act of Defiance
Despite enduring cycles of violence, Black communities have consistently embodied resilience, finding joy even amid profound sorrow. As seen across Black burial traditions and exemplified in the New Orleans Second Line funeral procession ritual, joy becomes an act of defiance—a reclamation of humanity when justice remains elusive. This duality of joy and justice defines our story, reminding us that while the fight for justice continues, we celebrate the beauty, strength, and indomitable spirit of LOVE for our community.
As part of our mission, we recognize the vital role of art in advancing justice, telling our stories and centering our humanity. Black artists have long created powerful works that capture the essence of Black life—resilient yet burdened, thriving yet often unseen. The Standing in the Gap Fund is proud to partner with Black artists and creatives to elevate our mission and share the depth of our experiences with communities.
The Perfect Neighbor
Standing in the Gap Fund, in collaboration with Message Pictures, Park Pictures, Soledad O’Brien Productions, and High Cotton Production proudly announce the global premiere of The Perfect Neighbor on Netflix October 17, 2025. This powerful documentary reveals the devastating impact of Stand Your Ground laws and their role in perpetuating racialized violence, as seen through the tragic story of AJ Owens. The film invites viewers to confront the systemic inequities that enabled this tragedy and continue to harm marginalized communities.
Through exclusive police bodycam footage and investigative interviews, The Perfect Neighbor immerses viewers in the tragic events, culminating on June 2, 2023, with the neighbor’s final fatal interaction.
NYC Community Screening & Celebration
Photo Gallery
On October 15, we gathered in New York City for an intimate Community Screening & Celebration hosted by Standing in the Gap Fund and Message Pictures. Ahead of the film’s global release on Netflix, we shared the The Perfect Neighbor and held space for friends and family of our Fund and film team.
The evening affirmed what we know to be true: justice lives in the stories we protect, the memories we steward, and the rooms we create to honor those taken by racial violence.
Clips & Conversation: Martha’s Vineyard
Photo Gallery
Standing in the Gap Fund hosted a Clips & Conversations panel in Martha’s Vineyard, August 13, 2025 at the Strand Theatre to preview scenes from The Perfect Neighbor and honor the legacy of Ajike “AJ” Owens. These moments are a reminder that justice is not only about what happens in courtrooms, but also about the spaces created to heal, build, and reimagine a future free from racial violence.
Art Basel: Miami
Art Exhibition Catalogue
In December 2024, High Cotton Production launched the Standing in The Gap Fund with “Calling All Our Power Back To Us” an immersive art installation and community event series dedicated to healing and wellness during Art Basel Miami. In partnership with The Givers Revival and Loni Johnson the exhibition, curated by Marie Vickles, featured work by artists Loni Jonhson, Vanta Black, and Faren Humes who pay homage to Black women and families impacted by racial violence. View the exhibition catalogue here.