Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz were named to the TIME100 Art list for their transformative impact as world-class art collectors and cultural patrons. Over more than a decade of collecting, the couple turned their shared passion into the Dean Collection—a mission-driven repository dedicated to uplifting living, emerging, and historically underrepresented Black artists.
At the event, Swizz spoke about the Dean Collection’s significance.
“We just hit a big milestone on the project that we worked on for almost 10 years,” Swizz said. “It’s called the Deans’ Choice. The Deans’ Choice is basically making collectors responsible to collect, protect and respect the artists because that’s our job.”
“This room has so much work to do, but the good part is we’re doing the work for our children’s children’s children,” he continued. “We’re not here for us. We had a good time and we did all the parties. Now we have to lay the path out for the future to be better than us.”
THE POWER OF BLACK ART
Keys also shared about their collective vision for art.
“The fact that we are all authors and artists of forever is such a powerful thought. We get to architect the life that we want to imagine. And we get to architect the art that we live and breathe,” said Keys. “As an artist, I think one of the most incredible things, and that’s what I feel the most in this room, is a sense of real, true connection, a sense of desire to find your best self and to represent a diverse understanding of life.”
“The ideal industry for any creative person should be a place where they are completely empowered,” Keys continued. “The Dean Collection is by the artist, for the artist, with the people.”
By championing artist ownership and showcasing groundbreaking exhibits like Giants at the Brooklyn Museum, Keys and Swizz Beatz have redefined contemporary art patronage and advanced cultural equity.
Along with the power couple, Carmelo Anthony, Simone Leigh, Tyler Mitchell, Kerry James Marshall, and Banksy were honored.