The fine art world has grossly neglected black women artists.

So much so that only black women make up only 4 percent of artists within fine art institutions across the United States. Many of these institutions, meant to elevate and expose artists, are difficult for black women to gain admission to. And a lack of money, resources and access to (white) cultural gatekeepers approval can keep them stifled. Tiffany LaTrice knows this firsthand.

When the Atlanta-based visual artist and painter began creating art full time, she submitted applications to various studios in hopes of advancing her career. She was denied by countless galleries and MFA programs and told that her work wasnt good enough. But suggestions that didnt fit her vision and attempted to disrupt her creative agency were abundant.

I was selling my work for thousands of dollars online. And so, I was so confused, LaTrice told HuffPost. I thought, OK, I have this talent. Ive been awarded numerous accolades for my artwork, but I cant get into these institutions that are obviously, mostly ran by white women ... so they dont know my story or my narrative and my artwork. So when I saw that, I was like, Well, whats being done for black women? Whats being done for us in this industry?