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GoggleWorks, NAACP and Juneteenth Reading, PA Join Forces for The Great Barrington Project

by GoggleWorks Center for the Arts

Jun 07, 2023

GoggleWorks Center for the Arts (GoggleWorks), a nonprofit cultural center, is thrilled to announce its partnership with NAACP Reading Branch and Juneteenth Reading, PA to host The Great Barrington Project in downtown Reading, Pennsylvania. This exciting collaboration aims to celebrate Juneteenth and promote cultural awareness through the arts.

The Great Barrington Project is a cost-free interactive experience in public spaces, where participants are invited to sit in a chair across from a seated Black person and look in their eyes, unlocking a deeper connection. Those who identify as Black will also be invited to offer perspectives on how others perceive them. The project will be carried out in Reading’s City Park on Tuesday, June 13 from 12pm to 5pm and Wednesday, June 14 from 12pm to 5pm. A third and final installment will take place from 9am to 11:30am on Thursday, June 15 at GoggleWorks’ factory-turned-art-center campus at 201 Washington St. The GoggleWorks event will be followed by a reception, including free appetizers and fare from Franklyn’s Breakfast, Burgers & Shakes. Admission, parking, and food are free, but registration is required https://goggleworks.org/event/the-great-barrington-project-at-goggleworks/.

Stacey Taylor, a representative from Juneteenth Reading, PA, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership and its impact on the community: “The Great Barrington Project showcases exceptional artistic talent but also encourages critical conversations about the complexities of Black identity. We are proud to join forces with GoggleWorks to present this significant exhibition, and we believe it will contribute to the ongoing journey towards equality and understanding.”

The project, led by artist and writer Delano Burrowes, is a thought-provoking exploration of Black identity and the concept of “double consciousness” as coined by the renowned writer and NAACP co-founder, W.E.B. Du Bois. Born and raised in Great Barrington, Massachusetts, the hometown of W.E.B. Du Bois, Burrowes draws inspiration from his surroundings and the historical significance of the region. His extensive body of work includes performance art, writing, and curatorial projects that challenge societal norms and invite introspection.

“We are honored to host Delano Burrowes and The Great Barrington Project,” said Levi Landis, executive director of GoggleWorks. “His unique perspective and artistic vision align perfectly with our mission to foster dialogue, creativity, and inclusivity within the community. This collaboration between GoggleWorks, NAACP Reading Branch and Reading’s Juneteenth Reading, PA will undoubtedly create a powerful platform for celebrating African American history and advocating for racial justice.”

For more information or to register for free admission and free food at the reception on 6/15 click here.

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