LumenARRT! is a project of the Artists’ Rapid Response Team (ARRT!). We work through the Union of Maine Visual Artists (UMVA), a members’ organization that advocates for artists and furthers the work of progressive non-profits in the state of Maine. Our video projections, graphic design production, and interactive media projects create a visual voice for these organizations and like electronic graffiti, bring awareness to issues of social, economic, and environmental justice. In addition to issue-based messaging we acknowledge the growing need for community to be nurtured, celebrated, and supported. We welcome new members, if you seek to collaborate with others in shining a light on important issues for all of us, get in touch!
LumenARRT! partnered with Indivisible, Presente, No I.C.E., Maine Coalition for Palestine and others on 15 August at the Cumberland County Jail for a Vigil for Those in Cages. Activists gathered on the corner of Congress Street and St. John Street in Portland to walk together to the back of the jail, where LumenARRT! projected across the railroad tracks while organizers, including family members of detainees, spoke, prayed, and sang together. The names of 160 detainees were projected while people read the names aloud.
For increased mobility and accessibility during daylight projection, LumenARRT! has been experimenting with a large monitor mounted on a truck. Videos crafted for different events have helped spread information.
LumenARRT! projection at the Vigil for Those in Cages.
LumenARRT! projection at the Vigil for Those in Cages.
LumenARRT! projection at the Vigil for Those in Cages.
LumenARRT! projection at the Vigil for Those in Cages.
LumenARRT! projection at the Vigil for Those in Cages.
LumenARRT! Video. Click here to view.
From the Eastern to the Western Promenade and places in between, LumenARRT! could be spotted this summer helping to raise awareness of La Marcha De La Puebla an event held on 1 August. The Portland community united in solidarity with immigrants rights groups across the country, marched from Congress Square to City Hall where speakers, families and friends spoke about the threats to our values and to stand with our neighbors.
LumenARRT! truck projection on the Eastern Promenade.
LumenARRT! truck projection on the Western Promenade.
LumenARRT! has been creating and sharing Know Your Villain Cards far and wide. Activist kits are available on the website and they are making their way into conversations among concerned citizens even beyond the Maine borders. Stay posted!
LumenARRT!, Know Your Villain Cards and a glimpse of new portraits to arrive this fall.
More to come. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and BlueSky, or contact us and join in! We look forward to seeing you on the street! You can find more images of our work on our website.
Image at top: LumenARRT! projection at the Vigil for Those in Cages.