Monday, June 8th, 2020
Dear Elsewhere Community,
Elsewhere Studios Artist Residency program stands in solidarity with Black Lives Matter and all who are working to dismantle systemic racism and fight police brutality. We are outraged, and are reflecting on what we can do as an organization and as individuals to support this movement.
As a result, we are taking a moment to pause and have cancelled a couple of upcoming programs, including our alumni lecture that was scheduled last week and our Kids Pasta Project fundraising event this week. We look forward to rescheduling these events and others as soon as possible, but right now we all need time. Time to process and experience the deep sadness and anger sparked by the police brutality and the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Tony McDade, Ahmaud Arbery, and countless other Black Americans. Time to focus our energy on educating ourselves, having conversations, and listening to others. Time to connect and reflect.
This is the work of being an artist: to pause, experience, listen, and take a deep breath during moments of great turmoil. This is what we at Elsewhere need to do -- learn and understand how we can do better in our own field and become a truly anti-racist organization.
We are grateful for your patience and understanding as we enter deeply into this work. We encourage people to take the time to look into, and donate to if possible, organizations that are promoting racial justice.
Attached is an informational resource guide put together by local citizens with more information on allyship and how to promote justice.
In solidarity,
Carolina Porras, Executive Director
Henry Kunkel, Program Manager
Lauren Blair, Board President
Carol Flueckiger, Board Member
Raihana Omri, Board Member