Supporting Project Row Houses 30th Anniversary: A Call to Preserve, Elevate, and Celebrate

Project Row Houses began as seven artists’ vision of a space for artistic expression radically different from conventional museum and studio practice into an international model for art-centered cultural preservation, innovative neighborhood development, and resourceful community engagement.

Now one of the best-known and most enduring social sculptures in the country, if not the world, PRH proves every day that effective creative place-keeping and community engagement can inspire meaningful and sustained positive change.

Midway through the celebration of our anniversary, we lost co-founder Jesse Lott, a visionary artist, joyful sage, and patient teacher.

While I grieved, I also reflected on how this moment brought to the surface the inherent strength and resilience in the PRH model. Brother Jesse may be with the ancestors, but his steadying presence will always vibrate in this realm and in this place. His vision is central to this place and this work, but Project Row Houses was never a singular vision, and always will be a living monument to the power of collaboration.

I invite you to add to the work by making time to visit us this year. Bring your energy, your curiosity, and your desire to connect with the power of possibility.

Social sculpture is an approach grounded in the belief that collaboration between artists, neighbors, activists, and innovators can be leveraged to positively transform communities. Our model emphasizes both preservation and elevation: preservation of existing Black culture, traditions, spaces, and places, and elevation of the next generation or artists, neighbors, entrepreneurs, and the Third Ward diaspora.

As we celebrate the 30th anniversary, we are affirming that social sculpture is the blueprint for how community engagement, centered in creativity and free expression, can truly make a difference.

At the same time, we are affirming that you have a place here. You can take part in preserving vital cultural elements, elevating marginalized communities, and celebrating each success along the way. Your time and participation will help us demonstrate how challenges at the local level can be met with thoughtful solutions that bring about transformative and lasting change.

Together, we can honor the legacy of this amazing organization as we continue our pursuit of a brighter future for our most vulnerable by empowering people and enriching communities through engagement, art, and direct action.

Sincerely,
Danielle Burns Wilson
Interim Executive Director
Project Row Houses