Branching Out is a new mural and performance program supported by the American Library Association, the Friends and Foundation of Albany Public Library, and a Stephen J McKee Foundation grant administered by the Center for Law and Justice, with the intention of addressing systemic racism and uplifting BIPOC artists. Come and check it out on Tuesday, August 31 at the Delaware Branch of Albany Public Library
Branching Out is actually two inter-related projects: a live performance series, and a mural painting workshop and exhibition. Both projects work together to amplify the voices of local BIPOC artists and youth.
The first performance will take place at the Delaware Branch on Tuesday, August 31 from 5:30-8pm, with music and spoken word performances by Amani O+ and Anneice Cousin, followed by performances in September and October at the Bach and Pine Hills Branches by D. Colin, The Age, and Victory Soul Orchestra. This will be the unveiling of the mural which Amplified Voices produced at the Howe Branch with local young people earlier this summer.
Amplified Voices (AV) is a community collaborative public mural project spearheaded by artists Jade Warrick and Euegene O’Neil. They work to amplify the voices of local BIPOC artists while also providing youth mentoring opportunities. This summer, AV is teaming up with Albany Public Library (APL) to provide local youths the opportunity to create and express themselves through art! Working with youth from Young Futures, SNUG, and Create Community Studios, they will have the opportunity to paint a traveling mural that reflects themselves and amplifies their individuality. The program began this month and will travel to multiple Albany Public Library branches, Troy Public Library, and Schenectady County Public Library. The mural will be created by 10 teens from these communities.
AV is providing a thorough training program with the goal of each child to consider themselves to be a creative by the end of the program. Each student will be provided with a full art kit, and taught in depth techniques about the materials and supplies. These materials will be their very own, so they can continue making expressive art after the completion of the program.
This Fall, the mural will be on display as part of “Branching Out: Connecting Communities”. Branching Out is a programming initiative organized by Albany Public Library (APL), Youth FX, and Opalka Gallery that aims to uplift Black voices in music and art in the city of Albany. Branching Out will directly fund Black art and Black artists who live in or come from the city of Albany.
This program would not be possible without the amazing generosity of our donors. Branching Out is supported by Stephen McKee Foundation, Friends & Foundation of APL, American Library Association, Blick Art Materials, Troy Public Library, and Schenectady County Public Library.
