Museum launchs new exhibit for Black History Month

Written By Paula Brown

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The Museum of Dufferin (MOD) launched a new digital exhibit this week in celebration of Black History Month. 

To honour the month in the community, MOD has partnered with the Dufferin County Canadian Black Association (DCCBA) to launch the exhibition, called “Solidarity in My Community.” The digital exhibit displays submitted works from artists and students across Canada, showing how they see solidarity in their community. 

“During these unprecedented times we have witnessed the overwhelming cries to address Anti-Black Racism, Systemic Discrimination and Social Justice Reform worldwide following the death of George Floyd,” read the description for the exhibit. 

“We now know as Canadians that we are not exempt from these challenges and there is an urgent need for decisive action now. Around Canada, and in our small community of Dufferin County, Ontario, we have witnessed diverse groups of individuals come together to work towards a collective goal – naming the problems finding solutions and standing in solidarity.” 

The idea behind the “Solidarity in My Community” exhibit, said the Museum of Dufferin, came from discussions with Shelburne Deputy Mayor Steve Anderson and DCCBA President Alethia O'Hara Stephenson. 

With the all of the instances of police brutality throughout 2020, including the murder of George Floyd, and the subsequent Black Lives Matter Marches that were held globally and in Shelburne, O'Hara Stephenson said that theme of solidarity was a natural transition 

“These local events were a great example of coming together as a community and we wanted to carry that theme forward in celebration of Black History Month,” said O' Hara Stephenson. 

The digital exhibit consists of four categories – student art, student photography, open art, and open photography. In addition to their work, applicants have submitted a reflection or description behind their pieces of art. 

Speaking with the Free Press prior to the unveiling of the exhibit, MOD curator Sarah Robinson spoke about the submissions they had seen so far. 

“We have had some very powerful pieces submitted, particularly the submissions from students,” she said. “Each piece has a story, a different perspective and the MoD is honoured to showcase the talents of these Canadian artists.”

The digital exhibit is a juried exhibition with awards being presented during a live YouTube event hosted by the MOD and DCCBA on February 20. Jurors will be O'Hara Stephenson, Deputy Mayor Steve Anderson, professional photographer Korby Banner, Choice's Youth Shelter Director Althea Alli, and artist Mercedez Erazo. 

To see the Black History Month exhibit, visit the MOD website at www.dufferinmuseum.com. “Solidarity in My Community” will run until March 31.