JUNETEENTH 2021 ARTIST COLLECTIVE

Juneteenth honors and celebrates the emancipation of the enslaved people in the United States. The Diversity, Equality, and Inclusivity Committee of the Space Needle & Chihuly Garden and Glass, alongside the Northwest African American Museum, One Vibe Africa and Wa Na Wari, are celebrating this day by raising the voices of Black and African American artists in an Artist Collective broadcast premiering on Friday, June 18.

As part of Northwest African American Museum’s Juneteenth week, the Space Needle & Chihuly Garden and Glass will introduce several amazing Black and African American artists to Seattle through a virtual show, hosted by Northwest African American Museum’s L. Patrice Bell.

JOIN THE CELEBRATION

We welcome all Pacific Northwest Black-identifying artists who are impacted by or honoring Juneteenth to submit their works of art— poetry / written word, music, dance, or visual arts — starting May 17, 2021 at 8:00 AM PST.

Shortly after submissions close on May 27, 2021 at 10:00 PM PST, a group of experts will review submissions. The selected artists will be featured in the broadcast on June 18, and the top entries in each category will win a $500 Visa gift card!

HOW TO WATCH

Watch the Juneteenth 2021 Artist Collective virtual show premiering on Friday, June 18 on NAAM’s YouTube Channel!

JUNETEENTH 2021 ARTIST COLLECTIVE THEME: SANKOFA

Sankofa, translated from the Akan Twi and Fante languages of Ghana, means “go back and get.” It is symbolized by a bird with its head turned backwards while its feet face forward carrying a precious egg in its mouth. The proverb “Se wo were fi na wosankofa a yenkyi” or “It is not wrong to go back for that which you have forgotten” demonstrates that there is wisdom in learning from the past which ensures a strong future. Sankofa was chosen as the theme to educate about a dark past, acknowledging our current state, and shining a light into a brighter future.