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BLACK LIVES MATTER. BLACK ART MATTERS.
For the past 37 years the ArtsXchange has stood in solidarity with national and international movements to end systemic racism. This includes speaking out against injustices and their harmful effects in our communities and beyond that degrade and harm black, indigenous, and people of color. We feel the insurmountable pain of centuries of violence that has converged at this pivotal moment in our nation’s history. The ongoing loss of black lives has reached a critical point when all responsible persons must act against blatant racism. We cannot stand silent in this moment. The ArtsXchange’s mission is to use the arts as a means by which all cultures can come to a truer understanding of themselves and others. Black art in all disciplines is relevant to our entire nation. By providing a venue and studio space for artists and non-profits, The ArtsXchange supports arts that are uplifting and that build bridges between the cultures of Africa, the Caribbean, and the Americas. To appreciate the complexity and beauty of black lives, you must witness and appreciate the wealth of black art that speaks to our experiences and dreams, our hopes, and prayers. We join with all people committed to moving our nation in the direction of achieving freedom, dignity, and equality for all people. These interconnected cornerstones of humanity are the foundation for creative expression, community building, and empowerment. To continue our commitment, we announce the following two art and social justice initiatives: The Ebon Dooley Arts & Justice Conversations The Ebon Dooley Arts & Justice Awards, established in 2018, recognizes individuals and organizations that work to improve the lives and future of their communities. In that spirit, we will host a series of conversations with Art & Social Justice Honorees along with other engaged social justice activists each Friday through the end of this summer.
Icons of Art & Social Justice: A Mural Project The ArtsXchange will commission four murals for our building in East Point. We are looking for images and words that not only capture this moment of pain while celebrating the incredible outpouring of unity of spirit committed to ending racism, but that celebrates ideals that uplift community and promote growth in humanity, spirit, and change. The focus is not only in the United States, but globally as well. We invite visual artists and/or writers, as individuals or in collaborative teams, to submit their ideas.
Submission Deadline July 16th, 2020.
The ArtsXchange will kick off our First Saturday Open Air Artisan Marketplace series. This event is free to the public with artist vendors, food trucks, door prizes, yoga, live performances, and DIY arts and craft station. Feel free to bring your lawn chair and face mask. Vendor tents will be set up in the back parking lot. To ensure the health and safety of our volunteers and guests, we will adhere to the COVID-19 CDC guidelines and will be practicing social distancing and contact less payments.
Be sure to stay connected with us and check out our Virtual Programming.
The ArtsXchange thrives on the support and generosity of thoughtful donors like you. Your contribution to the ArtsXchange will help advance our legacy of providing access to avenues of production for emerging and professional artists, in addition to studio and performance space for multi-ethnic and multi-disciplinary artists in our cultural community.