The Mellon Foundation has awarded a grant of $250,000 to Pittsburgh-based artist Shikeith for an innovative public art initiative titled Project Blue Space. This project aims to delve into the cultural, political, and spiritual relationships between Black communities and water, particularly in the context of Pittsburgh’s prominent rivers. Scheduled to launch in April 2024, the initiative will incorporate cultural research, storytelling, an online platform, and a series of public events.
Shikeith, who has gained national recognition for his artistic contributions, emphasized the significance of Pittsburgh’s waterways. “It’s hard to live in a city defined by three rivers without being influenced by them,” he remarked. “There are countless untold histories and narratives flowing through these waters — ones that I, and many others living here, were never taught.” The project will focus on the Allegheny, Monongahela, and Ohio Rivers, which have historically played vital roles in the local Black community.
Exploring Untold Histories
Shikeith’s background includes growing up in Philadelphia and graduating from Penn State, before moving to Pittsburgh a decade ago. His previous work, notably the installation “Feeling the Spirit in the Dark,” showcased the experiences of queer Black men and prominently featured themes related to water, baptism, and the ocean.
In November 2023, Shikeith was recognized with the VMFA Aaron Siskind Award for Photography for his project “People Who Die Bad Don’t Stay in the Ground,” which was exhibited at the TILT Institute in Philadelphia. In his announcement regarding the grant and Project Blue Space, he highlighted the important historical context of Pittsburgh’s rivers as corridors for the Underground Railroad, sites of Black labor, and pathways for Black migrants, including influential jazz musicians.
The project aims to gather stories through school visits, workshops, and other interactive events, while addressing contemporary challenges such as environmental degradation and inequitable access to clean water. Shikeith intends for Project Blue Space to be an educational platform that fosters dialogue around these pressing issues.
Upcoming Events and Initiatives
One of the major components of Project Blue Space will be a large-scale public event titled “Feeling the Spirit in the Dark,” set to take place in the summer of 2024. This event will feature live music, dance performances, and intergenerational programming, creating a vibrant atmosphere for community engagement.
Additionally, Shikeith will unveil his first public sculpture, titled “Hold,” commissioned by the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust for its new Arts Landing space in Downtown Pittsburgh. This unveiling is another significant milestone in Shikeith’s growing portfolio as an artist.
For those interested in following the developments of Project Blue Space, updates, resources, and engagement opportunities will be available at projectbluespace.org. Visitors can sign up for the project’s newsletter to stay informed about upcoming events and initiatives, further demonstrating Shikeith’s commitment to enhancing community understanding of the vital connections between Black culture and water.
