In support of the Black Lives Matter movement, the Barat Foundation has created 2 new Animodules, BLACK LIVES MATTER and WE ARE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER.
NEWARK, N.J., August 7, 2020 --
The Barat Foundation
is inaugurating its beautiful new space at 2 Center Street in Newark, with a public painting of the new
BLACK LIVES MATTER Animodule
sculpture by a local artist and the high school and college fellows from
Newark’s Gem Project
.
The Gem Project
engages youth from high school and college through youth organizing, employment, and service-learning that takes on a social justice approach. “As a Gem Project College Fellow I am looking forward to collaborating with the Barat Foundation and painting their amazing Black Lives Matter Animodules. I am honored to be chosen to work with fellow change agents for our Newark community because I have always known the Barat Foundation to be artistic pioneers since I attended their summer camp several years ago, said Faith Christian, current Gem College Fellow attending TCNJ ‘23.”Like the Gem Project Fellows, the Barat Foundation supports, contributes and empowers residents and I am proud to be a contributor to their exciting showcase that will enlighten some, and empower others, that Black Lives truly do Matter.”
Barat Foundation Mission Statement:
“Public Art by the Public”: Engaging youth and communities in the process of artistic creation to be seen and honored in public, promoting the civic ideals of inclusion, diversity, social justice and pride of place.
What is an Animodule?
Animodules are an original urban art-form: a combination of the words "animate" and "modular" they are sculptures created by joining two flat planes together to create a 3rd dimension. Created by the children and youth of Newark working under the guidance of professional artists, Animodules have been named “Newark’s Official Peace Ambassadors” by US Senator Cory Booker as they represent the creativity and aspirations of the city’s children and youth. These works of public art speak directly and universally to social issues, providing a vehicle for students of all ages to add their voice and vision to the narrative of their community. With humble beginnings in cardboard and glue, Animodules were honored with their first major museum show at the Nassau County Museum of Art last summer.
