The Mellon Foundation has awarded a grant of $250,000 to artist Shikeith, based in Pittsburgh, for an innovative public art project titled Project Blue Space. This initiative will delve into the cultural, political, and spiritual relationships between Black communities and water, launching in April 2024.
Project Blue Space aims to combine cultural research, storytelling, and public engagement through an online platform and various events. The funding comes from the Mellon Foundation’s Humanities in Place program, which supports explorations of the history of specific locales. Shikeith expressed his enthusiasm for the project, highlighting the significance of water in Pittsburgh’s identity. “It’s hard to live in a city defined by three rivers without being influenced by them,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of uncovering the numerous untold narratives associated with these waterways.
Exploring Pittsburgh’s Rivers and Their Histories
The project will focus on Pittsburgh’s three major rivers: the Allegheny, the Monongahela, and the Ohio. Shikeith noted that these rivers have historically served as vital routes for the Underground Railroad, sites of Black labor, and migration paths for Black individuals, including jazz musicians from the South. He aims to gather these stories through school visits, workshops, and community events, addressing contemporary issues such as environmental degradation and unequal access to clean water.
This year marks a significant period for Shikeith, who has gained recognition for his previous work, including the installation “Feeling the Spirit in the Dark,” which examined the lives of queer Black men. This installation opened at the Mattress Factory in 2020 and featured themes of water and baptism. His artistic contributions continue to resonate, as he was recently honored with the VMFA Aaron Siskind Award for Photography for his work “People Who Die Bad Don’t Stay in the Ground.”
Community Engagement and Upcoming Events
As part of Project Blue Space, Shikeith plans to host a large-scale outdoor event titled “Feeling the Spirit in the Dark” during the summer of 2024. This event will include live music, dance performances, and intergenerational programming, fostering community connections through artistic expression.
Additionally, Shikeith will unveil “Hold,” his first public sculpture, which has been commissioned by the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust for its new Arts Landing space in Downtown Pittsburgh.
For those interested in following the developments of Project Blue Space, updates, resources, and engagement opportunities can be accessed through the project’s official website at projectbluespace.org. This initiative not only highlights the artistic talent within Pittsburgh but also seeks to deepen the understanding of the essential role that water plays in the lives of Black communities.
