activism at work
We are focused on our commitment to bridging cultural gaps through the arts "Connecting the Dots”, a multicultural arts initiative taking place in the fall of 2024. This groundbreaking series will bring together artists from Cuba, Ghana, and across the globe to explore the profound ways in which art connects people, histories, and cultures. The collective will feature painters, sculptors, musicians, fashion designers, poets, dancers, and creatives from a variety of disciplines, working together to build sustainable arts and cultural hubs for communities of color worldwide. By fostering collaboration and mutual inspiration, we aim to create opportunities that not only celebrate artistic excellence but also stimulate economic growth and pride within each community we engage with. As curator, I, Devon Walls, bring a deep commitment to using art as a transformative tool for revitalizing communities.
In the heart of Chester, Pennsylvania, a city struggling with poverty, crime, and disinvestment, the streets were lined with worn-out buildings and empty lots. The community’s resilience was strong, but its spirit was often overshadowed by the daily challenges it faced. Devon Walls, a local artist and activist, saw this struggle not as something to be ignored but as a canvas waiting to be transformed. Devon, who had grown up in Chester, was deeply connected to the community. He knew that change needed more than just words—it needed action, creativity, and a shift in the narrative. Drawing from his passion for art and his drive for social change, Devon began creating art programs and art exhibitions in the community that told the stories of its people: tales of struggle, survival, and strength. Each exhibit was a vibrant declaration that Chester’s history and future mattered, a statement that the community was more than its challenges. With every brushstroke, Devon invited residents—especially the youth—to join him in this creative revolution. Workshops were held in schools and community centers, allowing people to paint their own stories and voice their concerns through art. What began as a single mural quickly snowballed into a citywide movement, with murals appearing on walls, vacant buildings, and even buses, each one a testament to Chester’s spirit.
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Creating spaces for creative expression.
Devon Walls is using the power of the arts to transform his community by creating spaces for creative expression, empowerment, and collaboration. Through workshops, public art projects, and mentorship programs, he is fostering a culture of inclusivity and self-expression. His efforts go beyond his local area, as he actively takes these artistic practices to global communities, using art as a tool for social change, raising awareness about important issues, and encouraging people worldwide to engage in collective action for positive transformation. Walls’ work exemplifies the transformative power of art in uniting and inspiring communities across the globe.