Shikeith, a prominent artist based in Pittsburgh, has been awarded a grant of $250,000 from the Mellon Foundation for his innovative public art initiative, Project Blue Space. This project aims to explore the intricate cultural, political, and spiritual connections between Black communities and water. Scheduled to launch in April 2024, the initiative will encompass cultural research, storytelling, an online platform, and a series of public events.
The Mellon Foundation’s investment in Project Blue Space is part of its Humanities in Place program, which supports inquiries into the historical significance of various geographic areas. Shikeith, reflecting on the project, stated, “It’s hard to live in a city defined by three rivers without being influenced by them, without feeling intrigued or wanting to explore more.” He emphasized the wealth of untold histories associated with Pittsburgh’s waterways, specifically the Allegheny, Monongahela, and Ohio Rivers, which have played vital roles in the lives of local Black communities.
Shikeith’s background includes growing up in Philadelphia and graduating from Penn State. He has resided in Pittsburgh for the past decade and has established a national reputation through his artistic work. His previous installation, “Feeling the Spirit in the Dark,” which focused on the narratives of queer Black men, was featured at the Mattress Factory in 2020.
In addition to his recent grant, Shikeith received the VMFA Aaron Siskind Award for Photography in November 2023 for his work “People Who Die Bad Don’t Stay in the Ground,” exhibited at the TILT Institute in Philadelphia. He noted that Pittsburgh’s rivers have historically functioned as routes for the Underground Railroad, sites of Black labor, and pathways for migration, including that of jazz musicians from the South.
Project Blue Space aims to gather community stories through school visits, workshops, and other events while addressing contemporary issues such as environmental degradation and the unequal access to clean water. A significant highlight of the project will be a large-scale outdoor public event titled “Feeling the Spirit in the Dark,” set for the summer of 2024. This event will feature live music, dance, and intergenerational programming, providing a platform for community engagement.
This year, Shikeith will also unveil “Hold,” his first public sculpture, commissioned by the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust for its new Arts Landing space in downtown Pittsburgh. Those interested in following the progress of Project Blue Space can visit projectbluespace.org to subscribe to the project’s newsletter for updates, resources, and engagement opportunities.
