(Un)Known Project Trail Art Unveilings and New Events in Louisville

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - May 11, 2022 - PRLog -- In 2021 IDEAS xLab launched the (Un)Known Project, an effort created to honor the names and telling the stories of Black men, women and children that were enslaved and hidden figures in Louisville, KY.

Saturday, May 14 at 11am-noon (Un)Known Project will host its inaugural Public Art Presentation at the "On the Banks of Freedom" installation located between 9th and 10th St. This monthly series will give participants an overview of the work including historical facts about enslavement in Kentucky, and an opportunity to stand in the footprints on the platform while looking across the Ohio River, the dividing line between enslavement and freedom. The Public Art Presentation for May will be given by Hannah Drake, IDEAS xLab Chief Creative Officer and (Un)Known Project co-lead artist.

On June 9, 2022, at 7pm the Journeys to Freedom: (Un)Known Project River Cruise will make its debut on the Belle of Louisville. While floating along the Ohio River between Kentucky — a slave state — and Indiana — a free state — participants will be immersed in the stories of two families seeking to escape enslavement by boat. Passengers will be assigned personas and given access to various spaces throughout the boat as the performance progresses

The immersive river cruise was commissioned by IDEAS xLab and written and directed by artist Sidney Monroe Williams (they/them). Journeys to Freedom will run June 9, 10, 22, and 23. Tickets are $45 for adults & seniors; $150 for VIP.

On Thursday, June 16, Roots 101 African American Museum will unveil a commissioned mixed-media art installation by X. Moyo, a Louisville artist, as part of (Un)Known Project. The opening from 6-8pm at Roots 101 is free and open to the public.

There will be another opportunity to participate in celebrating "On the Banks of Freedom" Juneteenth weekend. On June 19, 2022, from 1-2pm, IDEAS xLab and partners will host a drumming circle and libation ceremony at the site to celebrate the 1-year anniversary of the unveiling of the public art installation created with artists William M. Duffy and Dave Caudill.  This celebration is free and open to the public. Following the event, attendees will be able to visit the Frazier Museum's The Commonwealth: Divided We Fall exhibit featuring a commissioned work by Ché Rhodes as part of (Un)Known Project. Free tickets will be available for the first 50 people who request them at the Juneteenth event.

For more accompanying quotes, approved image files, and more information visit https://ideasxlab.com/unknown.

About IDEAS xLab
IDEAS xLab is a dynamic artist-led nonprofit based in Louisville, KY - and working nationally that proactively seeks to unearth and honor community stories that transform people, spaces and cultures.