FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
New Community-based Art Program Roots of Rondo: Black Artists Rising Supports Black Artists with Connection to Saint Paul’s Historic African-American Neighborhood
Multi-partner initiative will train in creative placemaking and partnerships for artists
18 November 2015
St. Paul, Minnesota -- Springboard for the Arts is pleased to announce a new initiative,
Roots of Rondo: Black Artists Rising.
Roots of Rondo: Black Artists Rising will engage black artists in and from the Rondo community to create collaborative artistic projects that highlight the present, past and future of Rondo over the summer of 2016. This work is funded through a $30,000 grant from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, a $20,000 grant from the F. R. Bigelow Foundation and a $10,000 grant from The Saint Paul Foundation.
The Rondo community is both a physical place and a spirit. Comprising what is now considered the Summit-University neighborhood, Rondo was a thriving African-American community that was torn apart by the construction of Interstate 94 in the 1960s. The community lost its commercial core and many long-standing community members were displaced to other neighborhoods. Yet there is a thriving community that is still present in the area, mostly recognized through events like Rondo Days and the Selby Ave Jazz Fest. Roots of Rondo: Black Artists Rising brings black artists of all disciplines and backgrounds together with cultural organizations, economic institutions and local businesses to showcase the rich legacy and future of the community.
Roots of Rondo: Black Artists Rising is presented in collaboration with ARTS-Us, Aurora-Saint Anthony Neighborhood Development Center, Hallie Q. Community Center, Model Cities, Rondo Avenue Inc., Saint Paul Almanac, Selby Avenue Action Coalition, Soul Touch Productions, and Walker West Music Academy and others.
"Artists are an incredible asset in Rondo, we are excited to support their creative thinking and action in this neighborhood that is such an important part of Saint Paul's history and future," says Springboard for the Arts Executive Director Laura Zabel. “We saw from the
Irrigate project during the construction of the Green Line that artists and cultural activities can really shape the narrative and power of a place. We are thrilled to be able to work with so many great partners and leaders on this project.”
Aurora-St. Anthony Neighborhood Development Corporation Executive Director Nieeta Presley agrees, “With the
Roots of Rondo: Black Artists Rising collaboration, we are excited to continue to share the history and voice of the Rondo neighborhood through the talents and skills of the artists who are here today. Our work at Aurora-St. Anthony Neighborhood Development Corporation is about finding new ways to support the future of the community, while staying connected to our past. The work of our artists in this initiative will build on the legacy of Rondo.”
Roots of Rondo: Black Artists Rising will offer 3 free creative placemaking and collaboration workshops on December 12, January 23, 2016 and February 20, 2016 to black artists who are connected to the Rondo community. Artists are then eligible to apply for support of $1,000-3,000 to do modest projects with community organizations and businesses over the summer of 2016. Projects will highlight Rondo places, people, and relationships in unexpected and engaging ways, such as pop-up performances and site-specific installations. More information and registration is at
www.rootsofrondo.org
At-A-Glance
What: Roots of Rondo: Black Artists Rising, to create collaborative artistic projects that highlight the present, past and future of Rondo.
Who: Black artists in and from the Rondo community, with workshops and facilitation by Springboard for the Arts and community partners
When: Free creative placemaking and collaboration workshops on December 12, January 23, 2016 and February 20, 2016, projects to come in the summer of 2016
More information: www.rootsofrondo.org
Roots of Rondo: Black Artists Rising is funded by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, the F. R. Bigelow Foundation and The Saint Paul Foundation.
Contact
Laura Zabel
Executive Director
Springboard for the Arts
612-386-4482.
laura @springboardforthearts.org
About Springboard for the Arts
Springboard for the Arts cultivates vibrant communities by connecting artists with the resources they need to make a living and a life. Springboard for the Arts offers artists professional and entrepreneurial development resources through its Work of Art series and one-on-one consultations, and as well as organizational support through its Incubator Fiscal Sponsorship program. Through innovative programs like Community Supported Art, Artists’ Access to Healthcare, Irrigate, and Ready Go, Springboard for the Arts helps communities collaborate with artists to solve local economic, social, and cultural challenges. Its national initiative, Creative Exchange, enables communities everywhere to replicate Springboard for the Arts’ flagship programs as well as proven projects from across the country that mobilize the powerful, creative force of artists to build stronger communities. Springboard for the Arts is based in St. Paul and Fergus Falls, Minnesota.
About The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation
Knight Foundation supports transformational ideas that promote quality journalism, advance media innovation, engage communities and foster the arts. We believe that democracy thrives when people and communities are informed and engaged. Our goal is to weave the arts into the fabric of Knight resident communities to engage and inspire the people living in them. The foundation believes that the arts are a catalyst for public dialogue and that shared cultural experiences contribute to a sense of place and communal identity. To learn more, visit
www.knightfoundation.org
About F. R. Bigelow Foundation
The F. R. Bigelow Foundation is committed to making the Saint Paul community a better place to live, learn and grow. Frederic Russell Bigelow, fourth president of the Saint Paul Fire and Marine Company (now Travelers), created the Foundation through a trust in 1946. Today, his commitment to strengthening the Saint Paul area lives on through the Foundation. The Foundation is an affiliate of Minnesota Philanthropy Partners. Learn more at frbigelow.org and mnpartners.org.
About The Saint Paul Foundation
Since 1940, thousands of generous individuals committed to the Saint Paul area have made charitable gifts to The Saint Paul Foundation. Today, the Foundation is the state’s largest community foundation. Guided by the legacy of its earliest donors, the Foundation helps donors achieve their charitable giving goals and have long-lasting impact in the community. The Foundation is an affiliate of Minnesota Philanthropy Partners. Learn more at saintpaulfoundation.org.
