FRIDAY TOP 5: CRAFT NEWS JUNE 5, 2020

​We want to highlight statements and actions taken by cultural institutions and artists in response to the national protests and activism demanding change following the tragic and senseless deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery and countless others.

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1. We stand with the Smithsonian and encourage everyone to read the rare public statement from the Smithsonian Secretary, Lonnie G. Bunch regarding the recent social unrest. The Smithsonian continues the fight against racism, publishing 18 Resources to Understand Racism in America in the Smithsonian Magazine, and the National Museum of African American History and Culture has released a new portal to talk about race.

2. Just north of the White House, a two-block stretch of 16th Street NW in Washington, DC now shouts that "Black Lives Matter" in 35-foot-tall letters.  Mayor Muriel Bowser also approved the renaming of this intersection as "Black Lives Matter Plaza".  The new sign is right next to St. John's Episcopal Church.  

3. Like many other organizations across the country, this week The Center for Art in Wood released a particularly poignant statement standing with the Black community and reaffirming their "commitment to creating and supporting spaces for meaningful dialogue and creative expression."  Read the full statement online.

4. In a statement released on Instagram on Thursday, The Walker Art Center in Minneapolis made a public declaration saying it will cut its ties to the Minneapolis Police Department.  The museum will no longer contract the services of the police for special events.  The Minneapolis schools and parks department have also cut all ties with the police. 
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5.   Baltimore Clayworks released a statement on June 4 in response to the social unrest. In it, they declared that, for the next four weeks, they will donate 100% of Baltimore Clayworks' portion of shop sales to Black-led organizations.  Each week they will highlight a different organization. Their statement also includes resources on how to support if you're not able to join protests.