Events

EVENTS LIFEWTR Debuts Digital Time Capsule, “Black Art Rising,” to Immortalize the Legacy of Black Protest Art

By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent@StacyBrownMedia

LIFEWTR, a pre- design and, through mium water bright palettes and rebrand with a history of amplifying social progress through art, has launched Black Art Rising, a digital exhibition documenting the diverse responses to the Black Lives Matter movement in 2020.

According to organizers, the gallery was created to preserve this moment in time and help keep the movement alive and ensure future generations have access to the art and artists who are acting as vanguards of change.

“People get easily distracted. We must keep the conversations going, and people focused on what really matters. Art is an influence. Why wouldn’t we use our platform,” said lational compositions, burgeoning hip hop art- creates work that offiist Tobe Nwigwe. cials said champions

An artist whom gal- vibrance, confidence, lery officials say lyr- humanity, and celebraics and tone of music tions of a more just and tell the story of a dif- kind world. ficult upbringing as a “There’s an emphafirst-generation-Nige- sis on joy in my work,” rian kid in the Alief Harris stated. neighborhood of Hous- “To celebrate Black ton, TX, Nwigwe has a joy at such a pivotal singular goal in life: “to moment in history is, in make purpose popular.” itself, an act of revolu-

His message report- tion.” edly has attracted fans The gallery also worldwide, including features Shae Anthoculture heavyweights: ny, Reyna Noriega, Dr. Erykah Badu, Sway Fahamu Pecou, Temi Calloway, Jill Scott, Coker, and Thomas Evand Dave Chappelle. ans (aka Detour).

Lo Harris, a digital “Creatives are the artist, featured in the historians of current gallery, specializes in events,” remarked Evillustration and motion ans, acclaimed as an all-around creative who specializes in largescale public art, interactive visuals, portraiture,

immersive spaces, and creative directing.

“The work that I’m doing is telling the story of what’s really happening when it comes to race.”

At launch, Black Art Rising features protest art from eight creators at the forefront of racial justice.

LIFEWTR, a part of the PepsiCo family, is also calling upon everyday creators to keep the movement strong by sharing original artwork for the chance to be aggregated into the Black Art Rising infinite digital gallery.

“When we elevate creators equally, allowing them to inspire the world and be inspired by others, creativity can flow freely,” Michael Smith Sr., the director of marketing for PepsiCo, stated in a news release.

“Unfortunately, it hasn’t been that way, and Black creatives have long been underrepresented in the arts. It will take continued dedication by all, and at LIFEWTR, we are committed to using our platform to spotlight the amazing talents of Black creatives, who now more than ever are inspiring others to use their voices with purpose and push others to address systemic racism head on.”

Through the Black Art Rising Fund, LIFEWTR said it’s

committing $50,000 to increase the number of diverse voices speaking their truth through art.

Creators who share their work using #BlackArtRisingContest and tag @ LIFEWTR could be selected by LIFEWTR and special guest judges, including Tobe Nwigwe now through Friday, October 27.

Those selected will receive a $500 stipend from the $50k Black Art Rising Fund to finance art supplies for their next great creation and recognized on TheBlackArtRising.com.

In the coming weeks, fans will have the opportunity to win original artwork and limited-edition prints designed by Black Art Rising featured artists. Follow@LIFEWTRon Instagram for full details.

In August 2020, LIFEWTR parent company PepsiCo announced a more than $400 million set of initiatives over five years to support Black communities and increase Black representation at PepsiCo.

These initiatives comprise a holistic effort for PepsiCo to walk the talk of a leading corporation that helps address the need for systemic change. To learn more about these initiatives, visit pepsico.com/racial-equality-journey.

And for additional information on Black Art Rising, please visit TheBlackArtRising. com.