Racism in America is like dust in the air. It seems invisible — even if you’re choking on it — until you let the sun in. Then you see it’s everywhere. As long as we keep shining that light, we have a chance of cleaning it wherever it lands. But we have to stay vigilant, because it’s always still in the air.Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Black Lives Matter. As individuals at Women & Their Work, each of us must continue to examine our own complicity in institutional racism and listen in humility recognizing that being able to work in the arts is itself a great privilege. As an organization, we believe that art can be a shining light on the racism around us and can manifest change. We recognize that our goal to reflect the diversity of the audience that we seek to serve has not been fully achieved but remains the driving force behind our work. One action we are taking is to digitize, restore, and share the work of Black women artists who have exhibited and performed at Women & Their Work using our online archive as a platform. Our aim is to make their work, and impact on Austin arts, more accessible. Black artists have a strong history in Austin, and we hope to highlight and preserve their work and amplify their voices. Also included are lists of local organizations and Black women owned businesses to support. Please use this page is a resource to learn, seek inspiration, and take action.
Ann Johnson, You Can’t See, 2016, Transfer and Reflective Print, Embossment
Resources and Organizations to Support
Austin Justice Coalition is a Racial Justice Group that educates and builds community power for people of color who live in Austin, Texas that need support, community, and liberation during a time of systemic injustice in America.
#BlackArtMattersATX is partnership between Austin Justice Coalition and Austin Creative Alliance, lifting Black artistic voices.
The Carver Museum works to create a space where the global contributions of all Black people are celebrated through the preservation and exhibition of African American material culture, history, and aesthetic expression. They present stories about our local community and connect those histories to larger narratives about Blackness.
Six Square is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that celebrates and preserves the great arts, culture and history of Central East Austin. Named for the six square miles of the former “negro” district, Six Square is a visionary leader and powerful partner for major projects that preserve, promote, and sustain black arts, history and culture. They are the only state designated black cultural district in Texas.
Anitra Blayton, Element of A Dream Deferred: Refuge, 1994-95, pine fencing, screen door, window, light, discarded objects
Local Black & Black Women Owned Businesses (ATX)
Black Pearl Books is an Independent Bookstore in the Austin, that serves a Multi-Cultural, Multi-Generational, Multi-Socio-Economic Community and is built to promote Diversity, Inclusion, Equality & Cultural Awareness.
Austin Monthly’s list of black-owned businesses
Future Front guide to Supporting Diverse Business Owners
Greater Austin Black Chamber of Commerce
Have a business or resource that should be added to the list or images of an exhibition or performance to include in the archive? Email [email protected]