This year’s Publicly Engaged Scholar-in-Residence (PESIR) features two-days of art-driven community engagement and social justice activism, featuring the impactful work of local multi-disciplinary artists, including celebrated muralist and activist Rob “ProBlak” Gibbs. Join us in exploring the transformative power of art in bridging diverse communities.

Featured Artist and Keynote Speaker:
Rob “ProBlak” Gibbs is a visual artist, organizer, and community builder who has transformed the cultural landscape of Boston through his powerful art and commitment to youth education. Born and raised in Roxbury during the Golden Era of Hip-Hop, Gibbs used graffiti as a tool for self-expression and to document his community’s culture and history. As a co-founder of Artists for Humanity, he has played a significant role in arts education, providing creative skills training to youth. His Breathe Life mural series has gained national recognition, leading to numerous awards, including being named one of Boston’s 100 Most Influential People in 2022 and receiving an Honorary Doctorate of Fine Arts from Massachusetts College of Art and Design. Gibbs’ work, which includes serving as the inaugural artist-in-residence at Boston’s Museum of Fine Arts, not only transforms Boston’s art scene but also aims to educate and inspire young people through graffiti and hip-hop, fueled by his role as a father and mentor.

Locations:

• The March 13 event day will be held in the Bruce C. Bolling Municipal Building (2300 Washington St, Roxbury, MA 02119; see map).
• The March 14 event day will be hosted in EXP on Northeastern University’s campus (815 Columbus Ave, Boston, MA 02120; see map)

Agenda for March 13 (Bolling Building):

• 10am to 11am: Opening Session: The Transformative Power of Art
• 11am to 1pm: Workshops & Lunch: Poster Printmaking, Community Healing through Movement & Dance, Roxbury Community Walk
• 1:30pm to 2:30pm: Panel: Participatory Arts-Based Activism
• 2:30pm to 3:30pm: Breakout Sessions: Climate Justice, Health Equity, Reparations for Black Americans
• 3:30pm to 5pm: Interactive Co-Creation Workshop: Ethical Community Engagement

Agenda for March 14 (EXP):

• 10am to 11am: Welcome Panel: Perspectives on Ethical Community-University Partnerships
• 11:30am to 1:30pm: Workshops & Lunch: Rest and Healing Soundscape, World-making Possibilities, Identity Molecules as Expressions of Community
• 1:30pm to 2:30pm: Reflection
• 2:30pm to 4pm: Keynote Discussion: Rob “Problak” Gibbs, 2024 Publicly Engaged Scholar-In-Residence
• 4pm to 6pm: Closing Reception in Gallery 360