Kennedy Center Scrollathon
In 2019 The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts completed its first expansion since opening in 1971, including indoor and outdoor spaces that build on years of transforming the Center into one of the Nation’s most interactive and inspiring arts and culture destinations. A vibrant two week festival of performances and activities celebrated the new expansion of the campus called the REACH. As part of the festival the Kennedy Center commissioned Steven and William to bring their community engagement program Scrollathon to the Center to create an original artwork for permanent installation.
Over the course of two weeks in September 2019, Steven and William engaged with 750 local DC participants from a wide array of ages and backgrounds onsite at the REACH and offsite in the community. Each participant made a work of art that they associated with a personal story, and shared that story with the group, demonstrating how contemporary art can become a lens for personal storytelling. Participants then collaborated by contributing additional components to the collaborative artwork, tilted Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow, a vibrant, tactile and vast mural created of over 8,000 hand-rolled scrolls for permanent installation in the River Pavilion of the REACH. Participants are encouraged to visit the REACH with their family and friends to see their collaborative efforts displayed in a world renowned arts center.
Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow, 2019
Participants sign to show authorship of the collaborative artwork. A reproduction is displayed below the work.
Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow (detail), 2019
Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow (detail), 2019
Participants place their scroll within the framework.
Community Partners
Anacostia High School
BloomBars
Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington - Jelleff Club
Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington - Richard England Clubhouse 14
Brightwood Education Campus
Columbia Heights Educational Campus
Forest Side Memory Care - Forest Hills of DC
Hearst Elementary School
Ludlow-Taylor Elementary School
Noyes Elementary School
Ross Elementary School
Seaton Elementary School
Sitar Arts Center
School Without Walls High School
Each participant makes a scroll they title and keep.
