We stand together. Black Lives Matter.
To the Evanston Art Center Community:
Like so many of you, our hearts are filled with a deep sadness and anger over the violent deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery and the countless others who came before them. While we struggle to find the right words to express our emotions, we cannot and will not be silent.
At the Evanston Art Center, we acknowledge, respect and celebrate differences and commonalities. We desire to be a place where people feel safe and seen. And, we strive to be a community where people can openly be themselves and express themselves. We are committed to anti-racism.
To live our promise, we know we still have work to do to support the Black community. While we have made some progress, we know it’s not enough and we pledge to do more. Today, we reaffirm our commitment to listen, learn and take action. And, our 5-year strategic plan sets forth a plan to deliver. It specifically highlights the need for bringing more diversity to our board, faculty, students and exhibitions.
While we work toward our longer-term plans, you can and should expect immediate change from us. Here are a few actions we are taking right now:
- On June 18th from 6-8pm, we will host a virtual opening for our newest show - Soulworks. Soulworks is the vision of two exceptional African-American curators. We invite you to join this free event. Sign up now.
- Please also join us in welcoming our new curatorial fellows Alpha Bruton and Adero Knott. We are thrilled to have them in the EAC community and we look forward to showcasing their work. Their fellowship will take place July 2020 - September 2021.
- We have compiled a list of resources for our community on how and where to get involved nationally and locally in Black Lives Matter.
This is just a start. We know we have a lot of work to do and are deeply committed to doing right by our community. We welcome your feedback and invite you to reach out and share your thoughts on how we can be better.
We look forward to making the Evanston Art Center a place to continue this vital conversation. Join us as we stand together in solidarity. Black Lives Matter.
Paula Danoff, President & CEO, and the EAC Board
Black Lives Matter - How can you help?
We have carefully compiled a list of resources to educate members of our community. This is an evolving list. Please check back for updates.
NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
- NAACP Legal Defense and Education Fund
- ACLU
- Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights
- Equal Justice Initiative
- National Movement for Black Lives Matter
- Black Lives Matter
LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS
- Chicago Alliance Against Racist & Political Repression
- Evanston Present and Future's Juneteenth Celebration
- Evanston Branch NAACP
- Black Lives Matter Chicago
- Evanston YWCA
- Chicago Regional Organizing for Antiracism (CROAR)
- Chicago Freedom School
SIGN PETITIONS
Add your name to a national petition.
REGISTER TO VOTE
Voting is essential for our democracy. Register here, and encourage everyone you know to do the same.