Solange Knowles is expanding her efforts to support the work of the Black community.
In 2013, the artist launched Saint Heron as a platform for art, music, design, and culture, according to Artnet. Her intention at the time, she said in an interview with the outlet, was to create a space that was representative of herself and those she surrounded herself with.
“We started at the Studio Museum in Harlem (NY) and traveled through different stops throughout the city, and the energy felt like we were birthing something necessary,” Knowles told the outlet.
“This was such an integral shift in the ethos of Saint Heron. We found that creating community exchange had to be immersive, in-person, and multidisciplinary. From there, we began to conceptualize exhibitions, artist collaborations, and creative experiences that fortified the conversations we deemed important to build the legacy of Saint Heron,” Knowles continued.
Fast-forward to 2025, and Knowles is honoring the works of Black and brown authors, poets, and artists through the Saint Heron Library. The digital library will house an archival collection of primarily rare, out-of-print, and first-edition titles, and readers can reserve the physical copies online and have them shipped to their door.
According to the library’s website, its mission is to, “propel the advancement of education, knowledge production, creative inspiration and skill development through culturally relevant Black and Brown literary works.” Additionally, its offerings will be seasonal and selected by guest curators.
“As the market and demand for these books, zines, and catalogues rises, we would like to play a small part in creating free access to the expansive range of critical thought and expression by these great minds,” Kowles wrote in an Instagram post.
Bodies of work include:
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“A Daughter’s Geography,” a book of poetry by Ntozake Shange
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“Between the Lines” a book of visual arts and essays by Benny Andrews
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“Black Woman Sorrow” a book of poetry by Rosa Bogar
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“Meteor In A Black Hat” an exhibition catalog by Bob Thompson
Readers in the U.S can borrow books for 45 days at no cost but will be charged if the books are not returned on time, according to information on the library’s website.
The post Solange Knowles Launches Digital Library To Amplify Black And Brown Authors, Poets, And Artists appeared first on AfroTech.
The post Solange Knowles Launches Digital Library To Amplify Black And Brown Authors, Poets, And Artists appeared first on AfroTech.
