A Tuesday night forum featuring a panel of five Black women artists from the Madison area, with both an in-person and a virtual audience, convened at the Madison College Goodman South Campus to discuss what the community can do to support Black women artists. These included the need for funding, more exhibit spaces, and acknowledgement and encouragement.
Responses ranged from the straightforwardly practical to anger.
UW-Madison student and poet Grace Ruo said that listening to what she and other Black artists have to say is important, while painter and muralist Lilada Gee said that the solution is out there already — “You know how to fix it,” Gee said. “Stop playing. I’m tired and I am sick and tired of being sick and tired.”
Panelists Ruo and Gee were joined by Fabu Carter, former Madison poet laureate; Catrina Sparkman, a writer, playwright and theater artist;…
