Alena Museum is a cultural sanctuary dedicated to celebrating and preserving the artistic expressions of the African Diaspora. Rooted in the traditions of resilience, creativity, and community, we provide a space for artists, visionaries, and changemakers to collaborate, showcase, and uplift narratives that shape our world. Through art, education, and advocacy, we foster a thriving ecosystem where Black culture is honored, protected, and propelled forward.
Place Making + Place Keeping
Why cultural placemaking?
Place making and keeping recognizes culture and physical space as inextricably linked.
In the face of gentrification, forced diasporas, and risked erasure of Black folx and beyond, we know that space and belonging is fragile. Cultural placemaking is the direct counter to generations of violent racism, segregation, disinvestment and redlining that have resulted in the stolen ownership of our spaces.
Good cultural placekeeping centers community and activates public spaces where all can feel welcome, safe, and seen. It is an intentional reclamation of space with the goal of esteeming people's health, happiness, and wellbeing.
It encourages stories to emerge–as an act of defiance, liberation, and healing. It lets place speak for itself and gives the community an opportunity of listen, learn, remember, and respond. It’s a reminder of how powerful a shared vision can be.
Erasure is a form of oppression. Alena Museum centers the importance of maintaining and growing Black spaces, on their own terms. Cultural placemaking is more than just an outdoor art project. It’s a reminder that we are here.