NEW HAVEN BLACK LIVES MATTER STREET MURAL
The City of New Haven Department of Arts and Cultural Affairs welcomes the first of a series of Black Lives Matter street murals to the City
NEW HAVEN, Conn. – The City of New Haven Department of Arts and Cultural Affairs, in collaboration with Black Lives Matter New Haven, community organizers, and local artist Kwadwo Adae welcomed a series of mural projects being implemented in solidarity and support of the Black Lives Matter movement in the City of New Haven. The mural painting and the all-day event occurred Saturday, September 19, from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM on Bassett Street between Dixwell Avenue and Watson Street.
In response to the growing number of Black Lives Matter street murals across the country, New Haven became the latest community to do so. The project aims to support the ongoing efforts of Black Lives Matter New Haven, who is helping shape the larger meaning of the project in the community, as well as provide an opportunity for creative expression and professional development to local artists and community members. The first mural planned for Bassett Street will be a part of what hopes to become a city-wide effort to establish cultural districts throughout New Haven and provide opportunities for Arts & Culture related to economic development through an anti-racist lens.
“I was so grateful to be a part of this celebration of black and brown culture in New Haven,” said New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker. “I am looking forward to future art installations across the City, and want to thank Adriane Jefferson and the Arts and Cultural Affairs Department, Black Lives Matter New Haven, artist Kwadwo Adae, and all those that came out today to make this such a great success,” he concluded.
The frontline artist, Kwadwo Adae, directed the artistic rendering of the mural with the community-at-large, collectively helping to paint each letter in 1-hour intervals throughout the day. Black Lives Matter New Haven had a series of art vendors, open mic performers, and tables for community organizations, and voter registration throughout the day. All activities will take place across Bassett Street between Dixwell Avenue and Watson Street with the open mic performances happening on the Watson and Bassett Community Greenspace.
“I am overjoyed to see so many public art projects being installed in the City of New Haven during the difficult times we have all been collectively experiencing during the pandemic,” said artist Kwado Adae.
The mural and event were sponsored by contributions from The City of New Haven, Black Lives Matter New Haven, The Arts Council of Greater New Haven, Neighborhood Music School, International Festival of Arts & Ideas, Music Haven, and several private donors.
“We are excited about the Black Lives Matter murals that will be going up around the city and with our partnership with BLM New Haven,” said Adriane Jefferson, the City’s Director of Arts and Cultural Affairs. “This is the continuation of an emergence of art in our City that rethinks public art through an anti-racism lens and centers Black, Indigenous, people of color’s voices. Last month, we were able to install the work of Isaac Bloodworth right outside of City Hall in a beautiful commissioned piece that showcases the importance of Black Joy and amplifying marginalized voices. Today’s event embodied that same message and spirit,” she concluded.
For more information on how to donate, please contact Kim Futrell via email, KFutrell@newhavenct.gov.
About the Division of Arts and Cultural Affairs:
The mission of the Department of Arts, Culture, and Tourism is to improve the quality of life for New Haven residents. By celebrating arts, culture, and tourism, it becomes a catalyst for economic development, civic engagement, and spiritual uplift. We assist, promote, and encourage artists, arts and cultural organizations and events in New Haven. Our department serves as the steward for the municipal collection of globally inspired public art.
For more information on the Department of Arts and Cultural Affairs, click the link here and follow on Instagram @NewHavenCultural. For more information on Black Lives Matter New Haven, follow them on Instagram @BlackLivesMatter NewHaven. For more information on Kwadwo Adae follow him on Instagram @KwadwoAdae.
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