People in Philadelphia who identify as QTBIPOC are getting some artful love in February, curated by an artists' collective.
Adjunct faculty member Heidi Ratanavanich, a member of the organization FORTUNE, has joined with other artists in putting together the Unity at the Initiative Care Package, featuring contributions from local QTBIPOC artists and makers. The care package is part of the exhibition Unity at the Initiative, currently being shown at Asian Arts Initiative. FORTUNE is a print and spacemaking project, assembled by and for queer Asian publics.
"The care packages contain dyed and screenprinted handkerchiefs, herbal tea blends, heirloom seeds, a digital playlist and more," said Ratanavanich, who has taught in Moore's Foundation classes. "We specifically reached out to artists and musicians based in Philadelphia. Invited artists created work reflecting the medium and style they work within and to an audience which it will be received."
Ratanavanich said everyone is welcome to receive a care package, and if you don't affiliate yourself with any of the QTBIPOC communities, you can join a wait list. Most of the limited edition of 250 packages have been distributed. Use this form to get on the list. Orders may not exceed one per person.
All care-package recipients are eligible for a custom skate deck created by Jeffrey Cheung of Unity. More details will be available in the spring.
Contributors to the care packages include: FORTUNE, Felicia Blow, golden collier, Hardwork Movement, Icon Ebony Fierce, Lucia Garzón, JK Chang, Kamihira, Kilamanzego, Kirby Reiko McKenzie, Malachi Lily, Marria Nakhoda, Moor Mother, Naima Merella, Olivia Neutron-John, Rachel Ishikawa, Ramona Córdova, Serena Hocharoen, Tagine Dream, Truelove Seeds and Jasmine Hamilton, Wit López and Yarrow.
