The Smithsonian is Collecting Black Lives Matter Protest Signs
Ellen Smith — June 16, 2020 — Art & Design
In an effort to document this moment in history, the Smithsonian has started to collect Black Lives Mater protest signs.
Curators and researchers begun collecting some of the signs left around Lafayette Square, where just last week protestors peacefully gathered outside of The White House. According to Aaron Bryant, curator at the National Museum of African American History and Culture, “It is critical that we collect so this moment does not get lost. We talk to people so we don’t forget their stories. History is happening right before us.”
While the curators continue to collect signs, art and photographs around the Washington, D.C area, they have not revealed further details about a plan to display and preserve these pieces.
Image Credit: Katherine Frey/The Washington Post Via Getty Images
Curators and researchers begun collecting some of the signs left around Lafayette Square, where just last week protestors peacefully gathered outside of The White House. According to Aaron Bryant, curator at the National Museum of African American History and Culture, “It is critical that we collect so this moment does not get lost. We talk to people so we don’t forget their stories. History is happening right before us.”
While the curators continue to collect signs, art and photographs around the Washington, D.C area, they have not revealed further details about a plan to display and preserve these pieces.
Image Credit: Katherine Frey/The Washington Post Via Getty Images
Trend Themes
1. Documenting Social Movements - Institutions can leverage their resources to collect, curate, and preserve artifacts from social movements in efforts to document and display historical moments that may otherwise be lost.
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Industry Implications
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3. Event Services and Products - Companies that offer event services and products can adapt to changing social norms and provide customizable signage and products for social and political movements.
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