Savannah Launches “And the Children Speak” Virtual Art Exhibit
Savannah, a city known for its history and vibrant culture, is taking a big step forward in giving a voice to its younger generation. The Savannah African Art Museum has just announced the launch of a heartwarming and inspiring virtual art exhibit titled “And the Children Speak.” This initiative is tailored for children around the globe, inviting them to express their feelings and perspectives about current events through various artistic forms.
A Journey Back to 2020
This project isn’t entirely new— it first emerged as a pilot program during the tumultuous year of 2020, when the world was grappling with Covid-19 and civil unrest. The museum saw an opportunity to help children articulate their emotions during such a challenging time. Drawing inspiration from the Maasai people of Africa, the exhibit is rooted in a traditional greeting that emphasizes the importance of well-being among children. In the Maasai culture, this exchange goes beyond a simple “hello.” When asked, “Kasserian Ingera?” or “How are the children?”, the expected reply is “Sepati Ingera,” meaning “the children are well.” The essence of this greeting is a reflection of a community— where the health and happiness of its children signify a healthy society.
A Platform for Artistic Expression
Lisa Jackson, the museum’s Education and Community Outreach Liaison, shared her thoughts about the exhibit, saying, “We at the Savannah African Art Museum thought considering today’s local and international current events, we’d return and ask, ‘how are the children?’” She further described the significance of art, calling it a powerful “voice” that tells stories, records history, and invites discussion. According to Lisa, the museum believes in providing children with a platform to express themselves, encouraging participation through a myriad of art forms, including sketches, paintings, sculptures, performances, written word, and much more.
The Healing Power of Art
One of the key motivations behind this initiative is to foster mental well-being among children. As reported by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 1 in 5 youth will experience some form of mental health issue. Alarmingly, only 20% of those children receive the treatment they need. Lisa highlighted that through the creation of art, children can find pathways to healing and growth. Art not only serves as an outlet for self-expression but also helps children manage anxiety and stress effectively. “Caring for mental health is just as important as caring for physical health,” she added.
How to Participate
For children aged 18 and under interested in sharing their artistic creations, submissions can be made until December 31, 2024. All entries should be sent via email to andthechildrenspeak@savannahafricanartmuseum.org, and must include the subject line “And the Children Speak 2024 Submission.” The museum is excited to see how children interpret the world around them and the feelings they wish to convey through their art!
More About the Savannah African Art Museum
The Savannah African Art Museum is a non-profit institution dedicated to spreading awareness and appreciation of African culture. Housing a rich collection of artifacts from West and Central Africa, the museum serves as a vital resource for arts, culture, and education. To learn more about their programs, virtual tours, and upcoming initiatives, you can explore their website at www.savannahafricanartmuseum.org.
As the Savannah African Art Museum opens this unique opportunity to the world’s youth, it embarks on an extraordinary journey to explore what it means to “listen” to children through the lens of art. This initiative is not just an art exhibit; it’s a heartfelt dialogue with the future, reminding us all that, indeed, the children are speaking!
