IN SUPPORT OF
The August Wilson African American Cultural Center is a non-profit cultural organization located in Pittsburgh’s cultural district that generates artistic, educational, and community initiatives that advance the legacy of Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright August Wilson. One of the largest cultural centers in the country focused exclusively on the African American experience and the celebration of Black culture and the African diaspora, the non-profit organization welcomes more than 119,000 visitors locally and nationally. Through year-round programming across multiple genres, such as the annual Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival, Black Bottom Film Festival, AWCommunity Days, TRUTHSayers speaker series, and rotating art exhibits in its galleries, the Center provides a platform for established and emerging artists of color whose work reflects the universal issues of identity that Wilson tackled, and which still resonate today.
The Mariposa Museum, in historic Oak Bluffs, Mass. on Martha’s Vineyard, explores African American history and experience through the visual art, poetry, storytelling, and scholarship of diverse artists. In our unique and uplifting space, visitors of ages can spending meaningful time together while discovering history and the power of art and story to open minds and hearts. A second Mariposa Museum in Peterborough, N.H. fosters equity and understanding across lines of difference in a global context, celebrating the richness of a multicultural world.
Over the past 25+ years with the help of a broad base of friends, collaborators and supporters, Rush have been able to develop our main two program areas – Rush Education art programs for our youth and Rush Arts Galleries supporting and featuring emerging artists nationwide – working together in a seamless way to open up the arts to populations facing hurdles to the joy and benefits of these experiences.
Designed to inspire students, provide positive alternatives to high risk behaviors and support increased academic performance, Rush Education programs have directly served thousands of students annually. In addition, each year through our Rush Arts Philly Gallery in Philadelphia, PA, exhibit the work emerging and community based artists; welcoming gallery visitors from across the country; and providing unique opportunities for young people interested in careers in the arts.
