Public Access examines the role and importance of “the park” in the formations of communities. Contributing artists utilize photography, photo collage, and film to explore the impact of basketball as a cultural medium and its capacity for community building. Led by Kindred Studio, this project marked the first community outreach initiative for emerging arts institution and fellowship residency, NXTHVN, and brought in more than 500 visitors on opening day. 

In tandem with the exhibition, we also partnered with New Haven-based artist Tschabalala Self to design a large-scale on-court basketball mural in Dixwell’s Goffe Street Park. In partnership with the WNBA’s Connecticut Sun, Kindred brought in The Boys and Girls Club of Greater New Haven to host a clinic and other youth based basketball activities on court. Summer Camp registrations were available on site. 

The exhibition features work from Anwulika Anigbo, Jeanne Moutoussamy-Ashe, Kevin Couliau, Sue Kwon, Hope Mora, Daniel Ramos, Robin Rhode, Tschabalala Self, Paul Anthony Smith, Ashley Tillery, SHAN Wallace and Kim Weston. The exhibition and basketball court installation were organized and curated by John Dennis.

Partners: NXTHVN, Tschabalala Self Studio, the WNBA, Boys and Girls Club of Greater New Haven, 5 Star Basketball, Project Backboard, Kindred Studio