PORTALES: Reimagining the Future is an art exhibit presenting the variety of ways that artists and organizers in Rhode Island have strengthened our communities during the COVID-19 pandemic and the movement against racial injustice. In moments of difficulty, we can see how art can turn into ‘community portals’ that help us envision better futures. The exhibit is a sample of artistic works by RI-based artists who work in various mediums -photography, mixed media, painting, dance, video- and who have a practice of community organizing and/or are in relationship to grassroots community groups that center justice, equity, and access. The exhibit is part of a broader research project on public health, policy, organizing, and the power of art and culture, led by faculty and artists from Providence College. The research focuses on the power of art, humanities, and culture to connect communities and spark change during the COVID-19 pandemic and is informed by the experiences of some of the exhibiting artists. The exhibition was also accompanied by a community story circle event. The exhibition is on view in the WaterFire Arts Center gallery from Thursday, September 1 through Sunday, October 9, 2022 with an Opening Reception on Thursday, September 1 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Inspiration: Arundhati Roy: The Pandemic is a Portal

Artists:  
anjelllblack
Eric Sung 
Janaya Kizzie 
Jordan Seaberry  
Justin Case  
Shey Rivera Ríos
Sokeo Ros
V. A. T. K.

Curators: Shey Rivera Ríos and Anabel Vázquez Rodríguez
Project Director: Eric Sung. Project Team: Tuba I. Agartan, Nicholas V. Longo, Nayely Furcal Marte
Designer: Veronica Borsani.  Video Documentation: Oliver Sydesho Arias

PORTALES Exhibit includes a limited pack of 8 PORTALES Tarot Cards designed by Veronica Borsani with some of the artworks in the exhibit. See gallery below.

Partners: National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) | Providence College | Studio Loba | RI Council on the Humanities | WaterFire Arts Center | RI State Council on the Arts | Blue Cross & Blue Shield RI