AMP: Artists' Meeting Place and Resource Collective

27th Annual Black Doll Exhibit
Dolls of Color Around the World
December 7 – February 28, 2009

Call for Dolls,

The William Grant Still Arts Center is in the process of selection for
its 27th annual Black Doll Show. This year's show is "Dolls of Color
Around the World".

History:
The Black doll show was inspired by a doll test conducted by Mamie and
Kenneth Clark. The tests concluded that due to social stigmas, many
black children preferred white dolls over black dolls. This test went
on to become evidence in civil rights law suits. The Clarks became
expert witnesses in Brown vs. Board of education and helped the
landmark decision to desegregate schools. This doll test was conducted
again in 2006 by 17 year old filmmaker Kiri Davis, sadly with the same
results.

Inspired by the doll test, living legend artist / curator Cecil
Fergerson started the Black Doll show in 1982. Wanting to change the
negative self-image, Fergerson brought together hand made dolls by
artists around the country into one exhibit. Through its many
transformations, the Black Doll Show has been a celebration of Black
Dolls from slavery, Jim Crow, freedom marches, music, dance, hip hop
and more.

Our Theme:
This year's theme, "Dolls of Color Around the World", was chosen by
director Joyce Maddox. Ms. Maddox states "the goal of this year's
exhibit is to bridge cultural barriers and explore the history of
African Diaspora through dolls".

Criteria:
All dolls are on loan specifically for the exhibit. Artists will have
the opportunity to sell their dolls or just display. We would like
dolls that depict all people of color. We are interested in dolls that
uplift and work to enlighten our collective image of people of color
everywhere, China, Mexico, Indonesia, Egypt, Haiti, etc… We would like
as many hand made artists dolls as possible, but also take collectible
commercial dolls.

Delivery dates of dolls are November 12,13 & 14 12-7 pm,

Please contact us at 323-734-1165 or email ami.motevalli@lacity.org

The William Grant Still Arts Center is a facility of the city of Los Angeles,
Department of Cultural Affairs
2520 S. Westview St.
Los Angeles, Ca. 90016
323-734-1165
213-485-1610

This was posted on the LA Culture Net Yahoo! Groups listserv.