The Jamaica Plain Arts Council has been discussing how we can take effective action in support of the Black Lives Matter movement and in addressing systemic racism, especially within our board and local community.
Inspired by momentum and opportunity for change of the Black Lives Matter movement, the JPOS (Jamaica Plain Open Studios) board selected 4 recipients to receive a monetary donation – Hyde Square Task Force, The Teen Bridge program at the Eliot School , Urbano and Tony Williams Dance Studio. Although we are not generating any income this year due to Covid19, we want to demonstrate how grateful and committed we are to the Jamaica Plain community and its organizations that support BIPOC youth. This donation is made in an effort to assist young people who are pursuing artistic paths. It is our hope that this donation can provide a positive impact in these organization’s programming efforts to build upon the upcoming generations, artistic skills and foster love for the arts.
As a visual arts organization, we wanted to help make voices heard (seen) through art. We offered artists a chance to submit pieces that represent, reflect upon and/or support the Black Live Matter cause and oppose racial injustice in all forms. We highlighted selected work along with the artist’s short statement across our social media platforms.View the BLM Voices Seen Gallery!
As we look to the future of our board, we commit to greater inclusion and diversity in our organization and event. To that aim, among many other roles that will be needed to bring our organization and event into a better and more equitable future, we hope to welcome new members who can drive distinct initiatives with existing members in support of local BIPOC artists.
JPAC remains committed to assuring JPOS is reflective of our entire artist community and the JP community at large. We look forward to continued actions in the community and in support of black artists.
#BlackLivesMatter