"The show on the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence focuses on voices who have never been included in 'We the people.' Last fall the NEA denied our already-approved grant for the Biennial based solely on the names and biographies of the artists."
"This pivotal document emancipated the 13 American colonies from British rule, establishing the new nation with the promise of certain 'unalienable right' to all citizens. Since its signing, there have been long and violent battles over who is considered a citizen and therefore granted rights."
Oregon Contemporary gallery in North Portland will host a 2026 Artists' Biennial opening April 3, celebrating the 250th anniversary of American independence through voices historically excluded from national narratives. The National Endowment for the Arts canceled its $30,000 grant after learning the curator and most participating artists represent historically marginalized communities. The exhibition focuses on who has been included in 'We the people' and examines ongoing struggles over citizenship and rights since the Declaration of Independence. Public fundraising enabled the show to proceed with exhibitions and performances across multiple Portland venues, concluding July 4 at Oregon Contemporary with community readings and responses.
#arts-funding-and-censorship #marginalized-communities-representation #american-independence-commemoration #nea-grant-controversy
Read at Oregon ArtsWatch * Arts & Culture News
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]