Short Summary
Ernel Martinez, Keir Johnston, and Linda Fernandez are part of Amber Art Collective, a group of 5 international artists based in Philadelphia who are dedicated to creating meaningful public art that is transcendent. We have been selected to attend the Living Arts residency in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Our objective for this residency is to initiate a site and location specific sculpture and photography series based on performances and interactions revolving around the culture and social history of the race riots in Tulsa. On May 31 1921, whites attacked the black community living in the Greenwood district of Tulsa, also known as "The Black Wall Street", the wealthiest black community in the United States, and burnt it to the ground. An estimated 10,000 blacks were left homeless and approximately 300 were killed.
The sculptural work created at this residency will be exhibited in both Tulsa and Philadelphia along with performances by the artists. A photo series will emerge as a part of this project, documenting the performance as well as the audience interaction and participation.
What We Need & What You Get
Our goal is to raise $11,000. This will cover our transportation to and from Tulsa, as well as the cost of tools and art supplies for creating the sculptural elements for the performances. Funding will also be used to cover the cost of exhibiting the work in Tulsa and shipping it back to Philadelphia for a dual exhibition.
We have some great perks such as signed prints of the upcoming Roots mural, original designed flower pots, and the opportunity to work alongside us in our studio painting a mural.
The Impact
This project gives a voice to a silenced history and marginalized communities and allows them a platform for meaningful and valuable expression. The reactions and criticisms of the viewers will become part of the performance, therefore placing value on the voice and opinions of an individual. Through the community engagement process and productive collaborations, we look to celebrate the energy collected in this project in a final culminating exhibition.
Other Ways You Can Help
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