Unity at the Initiative
Centered in the art and social justice practice of Jeffrey Cheung and Unity, Unity at the Initiative is designed to give visibility and community to skaters, queer and/or trans people of color, and Asian Americans while challenging mainstream perceptions of each group. Initially conceived as an exhibition in AAI’s space, skate days in Philadelphia’s parks, and in-person public programs around the city, we have reimagined the project to take into account the physical limitations of Covid-19. At the same time, Covid-19 has created an increased urgency to support Philadelphia’s QTPOC creative community at this particular time as artists and people of color, already pushed to the margins, have been made even more vulnerable as a result of arts and business closures and the rise of anti-Asian sentiment.Major support for Unity at the Initiative has been provided by The Pew Center for Arts & Heritage.