The Mellon Foundation has awarded a grant of $250,000 to renowned Pittsburgh-based artist Shikeith for a groundbreaking public art initiative that will delve into the intricate cultural, political, and spiritual ties between Black communities and water. Titled Project Blue Space, the project aims to engage the public through cultural research, storytelling, an online platform, and a series of events focused on this vital theme.
Scheduled to launch in April 2024, Project Blue Space is supported by the Mellon Foundation’s Humanities in Place program, which funds projects that investigate the historical significance of specific geographic locations. In a statement, Shikeith emphasized the importance of Pittsburgh’s rivers, stating, “It’s hard to live in a city defined by three rivers without being influenced by them, without feeling intrigued or wanting to explore more.” He highlighted the untold histories flowing through these waterways, many of which remain unknown to local residents.
The project’s initial phase will concentrate on Pittsburgh’s three rivers: the Allegheny, the Monongahela, and the Ohio. Shikeith, who grew up in Philadelphia and has lived in Pittsburgh for the past decade, has gained recognition for his previous works, including the installation “Feeling the Spirit in the Dark,” which examined the experiences of queer Black men and prominently featured themes of water and baptism.
In November 2022, Shikeith received the VMFA Aaron Siskind Award for Photography for his work “People Who Die Bad Don’t Stay in the Ground,” showcased at Philadelphia’s TILT Institute. This recognition further solidifies his status as a significant voice in contemporary art.
Shikeith’s project is not merely artistic; it also seeks to address critical issues facing Black communities today. He noted that Pittsburgh’s rivers have historically served as vital corridors for the Underground Railroad, spaces of Black labor, and routes for migration, particularly for Black musicians from the South. Through school visits, workshops, and other outreach activities, Project Blue Space will collect and share these narratives while confronting contemporary challenges like environmental degradation and unequal access to clean water.
In addition to the initial research and storytelling efforts, Project Blue Space will culminate in a large-scale outdoor event titled “Feeling the Spirit in the Dark” during the summer of 2024. This event will feature live music, dance, and intergenerational programming, creating an inclusive atmosphere for community engagement.
Another exciting milestone for Shikeith this year includes the unveiling of “Hold,” his first public sculpture, commissioned by the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust for its new Arts Landing space in Downtown Pittsburgh.
For those interested in following the project’s developments, updates, resources, and engagement opportunities can be accessed by signing up at projectbluespace.org. This innovative initiative promises to illuminate the often-overlooked relationships between Black communities and the waterways that have shaped their histories and futures.
