‘Art Against Racism’ Sept. 20-30, 2019

PRINCETON, NJ – Art can trigger discussion of timely social issues, such as racism. The inaugural “Art Against Racism” group exhibition and related events aim to help people in the Princeton area consider and discuss racism, locally and beyond.

“The current divisive and racially polarized environment in the nation requires thoughtful community engagement and art can serve as the lens to focus conversation on the issues,” says organizer Rhinold Ponder, artist, activist, attorney, and long-time Princeton resident.

The multi-faceted program, spanning from September 20-30, will offer art exhibits, artists’ talks, faith community conversations, a poetry event, and a drag show.

The effort is organized by Ponder; Robt Seda-Schreiber, chief activist of the Bayard Rustin Center for Social Justice (BRCSJ); and Ruthann Traylor, art curator, activist, Princeton resident, and member of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Princeton. Collectively, they see this event as an essential response to the current environment.

“The Bayard Rustin Center for Social Justice is happy to be a key organizer of these events,” says Seda-Schreiber. “Racism is so engrained in our collective consciousness, meaningful connections like this allow us to see how all our communities can come together in a creative and meaningful way to recognize and break down the institutional and foundational nature of it. The intersectional aspect of this work is the very essence of our mission and of our being of service to the people.”

“Art can be very powerful, in provoking new thinking, creating dialogue across our differences and helping people see different perspectives. Our hope is we can also see ways to build bridges of community,” says Traylor.

Ponder adds, “Unfortunately, due to the current environment of hatred, “Art Against Racism” is very timely. It is about bringing people together to encourage others to understand how racism hurts us all, both systemically and in our personal lives. It is a call designed to encourage anti-racist action on every level, and to help worthy causes and artists in the process.”

Funds raised from art sales will go to artists and the Bayard Rustin Center for Social Justice.

Art Exhibits & Events

The juried art exhibition will feature work to be exhibited at participating organizations and businesses, including the Bayard Rustin Center for Social Justice, the Arts Council of Princeton, Princeton United Methodist Church, and Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Princeton.

Events related to the exhibition include: inter-denominational breakfasts between members of black, Latino and predominantly white churches, ostensibly desegregating what has been called “the most segregated hour in America;” a poetry reading; special theatrical performance of Gloria: A Life, a talk on reparations; and an anti-racism drag show, “Racism is A Drag.”

For a full schedule, see attached listing and visit our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/AAR.Princeton

Mission

The Bayard Rustin Center for Social Justice (www.rustincenter.org) is a community activist center educational enclave & safe space for LGBTQIA kids, intersectional families, and diverse communities. They offer focused programs concentrating on civics, community activism, and cultural instruction aligned with their vision to educate, enlighten, and empower. The center is located at 21 Wiggins St. in Princeton, NJ.

“Art Against Racism” strives to promote social justice, inclusion, equity and anti-racist community-building through the visual arts. Princeton’s “Art Against Racism” is one of several projects participating in the Create Core Courage Annual Social Justice Art Events (www.createcorecourage.art) focused on bringing attention to the continuing need for social and institutional change through the arts.

For more information on these and other events, please contact:

Rhinold Ponder 609.651.6250

Robt Seda-Schreiber 609.273.1650

artagainstracism@gmail.com