By Maya Washington, Tzedek Social Justice Fellow
Art as activism has had a long history in civil rights movements all over the world. Nina Simone, legendary singer and musician, pushed to redefine beauty standards with her odes to blackness. Patrisse Cullors, co founder of Black Lives Matter, utilizes theatre as well as her pen to push forward the agenda for racial equity in the U.S. When black folks, people of color and LGBTQ folks have total agency over their storytelling it not only propels our communities to action but it allows for the truest documentation of who we are for our posterity. Campaign for Southern Equality’s special summer art project is not a revolutionary idea. We are participating in a long practice of uplifting creativity within our communities in the name of liberation.
The resource of time is one many artists, especially those of color, seldom receive. Predominately white organizations like CSE can use resources and relationships to help build a more equitable world for trans and queer folks of color. Southern Equality Studio was opportunity for CSE to connect directly and share resources with artists in our community with a commitment to equality in the South. We were privileged enough to host four artists in our studio this summer to focus on whatever creative endeavor they felt called to do. Witnessing a variety of projects being constructed, completed, or dreamed up was exactly why I believe in art as a healing practice. The unique participants left their day long residency with genuine joy and a sense of accomplishment.
At Southern Equality Studio we wanted to provide a space radically different from a typical office environment. Our pop-up studio at Center for Craft had high ceilings, a brick accent wall and long, white gallery walls with a skylight to top it off. The spacious and bright setting was a perfect canvas for human centered design techniques to produce an intentional space that generates creativity.
Tall Cat Palm plants were placed around the studio as a reminder of growth. Succulents sat on the drawing desk promoting grounding. Books by Audre Lorde, James Baldwin and other queer artists kept residents company and inspired. Amber colored vases and art supplies were used to warm the space while a throw blanket and rug helped the artists feel right at home. Lunch was provided and a staff member remained in a separate space in the studio for logistical support or just a listening ear. The act of intentional design in constructing beautiful space for our community allows for true creativity to manifest despite the rampant ugliness of the oppression many of our residents face on the daily. Southern Equality Studio is an invigorating reminder that anything we do with equity, creativity and mindfulness at the center can be deeply impactful.
Maya Washington is the 2017 – 2018 Tzedek Social Justice Fellow at CSE. She’s been an amazing part of our team this year, focusing on engagement and operations and helping lead the Southern Equality Studio. Maya will finish her fellowship with us this month and will join the staff of Southerners on New Ground.
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