The Spirit of the People
Local Montgomery artist creates public social justice mural,"Are You Listening?"
MONTGOMERY, Oct 09, 2020 -- 21 Dreams, a Montgomery-based nonprofit artist collective focused on arts appreciation, community building, and public arts is pleased to announce an upcoming downtown art installation by artist Milton Madison, entitled "Are You Listening?"
The work is installed along the historic Selma to Montgomery Trail that reflects the demonstrations and causes of civil unrest across our country. The artwork depicts the nation's call for equal justice and an end to systemic racism and police brutality. It represents the hope that still exists, and the fight for justice through modern-day non-violent, actionable movements. The artwork's design incorporates the names of Montgomery citizens who have wrongfully lost their lives at the hands of the local police. The names displayed serve as a reminder to remember their lives and bring awareness to the current movement for change.
“Alabama has played a major role shaping our country by standing against injustices. We are seeing that influence across our nation today. This piece pays homage to our past sacrifices, and the evolution of that same spirit of change. The belief is that through our solidarity, we can correct the things that are going wrong in society right now.” - Milton Madison
Located at 136 Montgomery Street on the Alex Rice Building, the mural is purposely placed in proximity to the current public arts mural by fellow artist Sunny Paulk, on Lee Street, which depicts the Selma to Montgomery March. Both murals share the non-violent action protest theme, which embodies the spirit and the identity of the city of Montgomery as the birthplace of civil rights and social change.
Historically, Montgomery has set the stage for the change that ripples throughout the nation. Residents and local leaders believe they can address these issues locally and serve as an example of the work that can be done across the country. A community conversation series is in development that will address Montgomery community organizations and city officials' work to address issues of injustice. For more information, visit 21 Dreams at 21DreamsMGM.org, and via social media: @21DreamsMGM.
This project was made possible through the support of the Montgomery Arts Project (MAP), Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), Leadership Montgomery, Montgomery Builds, I AM MORE THAN, and 846 & Market Street.
Hashtags:
#RUListeningMGM
#21DreamsMGM
Media: Montgomery Advertiser: http://bit.ly/RUListeningMGM
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About 21 Dreams
21 Dreams is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit membership organization committed to advancing creative and cultural arts in Montgomery. Incorporated in April 2016, the artist collective consists primarily of artists with visual and digital art disciplines. Program initiatives include arts appreciation, community building, public engagement, and public arts. Their mission is to influence the arts' growth and value through public engagement and creative programming, ensuring accessibility for all.
