The Citizens’ Picnic: Lynching in America 1865 to the Present
Deadline Type:
fixedDeadline:
Sun, 08/03/2008 - 12:00amCall Type:
ExhibitionsDiscipline:
DanceDiscipline:
MusicDiscipline:
TheaterDiscipline:
VisualDiscipline:
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Interdisciplinary/Performance ArtLocation:
NationalIn the fall of 2008 the exhibit The Citizens’ Picnic: Lynching in America 1865 to the Present will open in the Community Gallery at the DuSable Museum of African American History. This exhibit will use visual art, documents, and artifacts to examine the visceral and legal implications associated with the act, history and aftermath of lynching.
Between 1865 and 1965 there were approximately 4,700 murders by lynching in the United States . Over 90% of those murders were perpetrated against African Americans that had recently become United States citizens after the passage of the 14th Amendment. Many of the victims were killed by mobs of their fellow citizens without benefit of due process. Historically, lynching was employed as a strategic weapon of disenfranchisement aimed at preventing African Americans from fully participating as U.S. citizens or enjoying the fair and equal protection of the constitution.
A significant number of lynchings were orchestrated and managed to such a degree they became public spectacles for the entertainment of the European American community and to send a message of intimidation and alienation to the surrounding African American communities. The terrorizing history of lynching continues to leave multiple and lasting impressions adversely affecting the psyche, upward mobility, and financial prosperity of many within the African American community.
This exhibit is open to all disciplines. Visual Two and three dimensional artists please submit samples in a JPEG or other digital format
Movement, performance and vocal work will be exhibited in on audio or video formats.