Emerson Collective is an organization designed to develop opportunities and solutions in education, the environment, immigration, and health equity through philanthropy, creativity, and investments.
In celebration of Women’s History Month, we are honoring the creative labor and imaginative power of 24 female-identified artists, writers, and refugee textile makers living in the U.S.
These artists and makers are part of the ongoing multimedia exhibition Word on the Street created by artist collective House of Trees. The newly expanded exhibition has been installed in Emerson’s D.C. office to mark its opening and elevate the work of D.C.-based women artists. Word on the Street presents powerful meditations on the long-standing intersection of individuality, community, and citizenry—and the urgent manifestations of each in our current moment.
Word on the Street consists of unique, double-sided felt banners made through a collaborative process designed to bring writers and artists into creative dialogue with seamstresses working with the Center for Refugee Services in San Antonio, Texas. These partnerships serve as a testament to how the power of art can shape society and honor, record, and protect the voices of women.
COLLABORATING VISUAL ARTISTS
LAURIE ANDERSON
TANIA BRUGUERA
SONYA CLARK
NEKISHA DURRETT
JAMEA RICHMOND EDWARDS
JENNY HOLZER
HOUSE OF TREES
KEYONNA JONES
AMY KHOSHBIN
WANGECHI MUTU
JAMILLA OKUBO
CARRIE MAE WEEMS
WORD ON THE STREET EXHIBITON
COLLABORATING WRITERS
SHANNAH ARENDT
ELLA BAKER
ANNE CARSON
A.M. HOMES
TONI MORRISON
NAOMI SHIHAB NYE
TOYIN OJIH ODUTOLA
NAYYIRAH WAHEED
OLIVIA YOUNG
REFUGEE FABRICATORS
ISSRAA JAWAD
FERESHTEH KASRAEI
KIFAH MOHAMMED