Juneteenth Cincinnati in collaboration with the Kennedy Heights Center commissioned new works by 10 artists and 10 poets exploring the promise and reality of “freedom” as experienced by those whose lives and destinies were touched by Emancipation. Their work was presented in a series of cabaret evenings at the Arts Center and exhibited at the Arts Center in February and March 2022.

The art pieces are shown here and linked to audio recordings of poets reading their interpretation at one of the cabaret evenings before an enthusiastic audience. Replicas of the art will be on display at the Juneteenth Festival on June 18.

This project has been made possible by American Rescue Plan funds from the City of Cincinnati, administered through ArtsWave.