Great news! The Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation is partnering with PBS North Carolina for "Visibly Speaking," a new series launching May 5 that follows the creation of inclusive public art projects that honor the often-overlooked stories and contributions of Black, Indigenous and People of Color throughout the state.

The broadcast series premieres on Thursday, May 5 at 7:30 p.m. on PBS NC, with 10 digital shorts to stream online and on the PBS Video app and YouTube. 

PBS North Carolina will also host a free virtual screening and a conversation about the series on Tuesday, May 10 at 7 p.m.

Learn more and register for the screening here. 

In 2019, the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation awarded Inclusive Public Art grants to 10 communities across North Carolina to foster dialogue and focus on historically underrepresented people and stories.

Visibly Speaking captures the experiences of the 10 communities as they develop public art projects with artists, residents, community organizations and civic leaders. Each episode highlights the diverse people of North Carolina and their stories of progress, creativity and resilience, from United States Colored Troops who won a crucial Civil War battle in Wilmington and migrant farm workers in Eastern North Carolina, to Snowbird Cherokee and Haliwa-Saponi tribal members preserving their heritage, to a legendary Black football team that united a segregated community in Hickory.

“By shifting the narrative of public art from one of exclusion and power to one of inclusion and diversity, we develop deeper appreciation for those whose stories have gone untold or under-told but who have made significant contributions to our state and nation,” says Maurice “Mo” Green of the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation. “We’re proud to partner with PBS North Carolina in this effort.”

Schedule of Episodes
Each broadcast episode features two public art projects and premieres Thursdays, at 7:30 p.m. on PBS NC from May 5 to June 2. Each project will also be featured in digital shorts that will stream online and on the PBS Video app and YouTube.

Learn more and watch online here.