Artists & Projects Directory

• Africa Consortium
• Dan Hurlin
• David Zambrano
• Dean Moss
• Faustin Linyekula
• Ivana Müller
• Los Muñequitos
• Marc Bamuthi Joseph
• Nora Chipaumire
• Ralph Lemon
• Stories Left to Tell
• The America Project
• Yasuko Yokoshi

The America Project

Conceived by Sekou Sundiata in 2001 as a shared contemplation of America's national identity, its power in the world, and its guiding mythologies, The America Project had two main components:

• public engagement activities designed to involve campuses and communities, artists, scholars and activists nationwide in critical thinking about issues of citizenship; and
• creation and performance of the 51^st (dream) state, a multimedia music-theater work inspired by that thinking and exploration.

Sundiata's methodology was groundbreaking for the way it crossed barriers and brought people from different sectors such as arts, education, community activism and religion into a shared civic process, and for the way it artistically incorporated many diverse voices into one stirring performance work. Sundiata led and participated in numerous poetry circles, community sings, "citizenship cabarets," poetry readings, interviews, potluck dinners, panels and forums designed to spark ideas on critical citizenship, creativity and civic dialogue. Elements of these public interactions fed directly into the creation of the poems and songs that comprised the 51^st (dream) state, which premiered in 2006.

As the 51^st (dream) state toured, the performances and public engagement activities sparked new and fruitful relationships between arts presenters, institutions, artists and audiences in communities across the country.  Many presenter partners reported the work helped them build authentic and sustained relationships in their communities. In some places, America Project activities continue, deepening in meaning for both participants and hosts.

People involved in The America Project were spread across the United States. Most did not know each other, and were unaware of the common experience they had shared.  As producers of The America Project and the 51^st (dream) state, MAPP saw and appreciated the full range and scope of Sundiata's legacy.  With the agreement and partnership of Maurine Knighton (Sekou's partner and the Executor of his estate), MAPP organized The America Project Working Group in early 2008 to carry on Sundiata's work.