The Culture Parlor Launches ‘Don’t Touch My Hair’ Art Experience at Newark Arts Festival

Newark, NJ — October 1, 2024 — As part of the highly anticipated Newark Arts Festival, The Culture Parlor is thrilled to debut its immersive, mobile art experience, “Don’t Touch My Hair,” from October 11th through October 13th in Harriet Tubman Square, Newark. This multi-day cultural activation will feature live performances, panel discussions, and a close-out brunch, hosted by acclaimed film director and artist Ayana Morris, to celebrate the unveiling of this thought-provoking exhibit.

The “Don’t Touch My Hair” experience delivers a powerful statement, urging society to stop the policing of Black hair. This interactive experience invites visitors to walk through a modified shipping container designed with an archway of 3-D printed hands, symbolizing the unsolicited and intrusive act of touching a Black woman’s hair. The tunnel, illuminated by soft lighting and flanked by mirrors and portraits, creates a reflective space where visitors can engage with the cultural and historical significance of Black hair in a visually stunning and impactful way. The exhibit will be on display in Harriet Tubman Square until November 15, 2024.

The Culture Parlor’s debut aligns with the Newark Arts Festival’s annual celebration of artistic expression and community, with this year’s theme “Radical Reimaging”,  further enriching the city’s dynamic cultural landscape.

Ayana Morris, who designed and curated the exhibit, is an accomplished film director, producer, and exhibitor. Her work gained widespread acclaim with her 2022 documentary, “Why Is We Americans”, which explores the life and legacy of poet Amiri Baraka. She is also responsible for opening the first black owned drive-in movie theater, Newark Moonlight Cinema, during the height of the pandemic.

The “Don’t Touch My Hair” exhibit is just one component of the multi-day celebration. The Opening Ceremony on Friday, October 11th will include Morris, Newark Mayor Ras J Baraka, Congresswoman LaMonica McIver, Rutgers University–Newark Chancellor Jeffrey Robinson. On October 12th, the event will host a Hair Gala, encouraging attendees to express their creativity through elaborate hairstyles while enjoying panel discussions, and live performances.

The weekend will culminate with the Grit & Glam Brunch on October 13th at 1 p.m., where attendees will meet Ayana Morris and participate in a moderated discussion featuring Misa Hylton, renowned lifestyle architect, and Mikki Taylor, celebrated media personality. Both women will be honored with the Grit & Glam Award for their contributions to amplifying the image of Black women in the beauty and fashion industries.

Event Details:

• Dates: October 11th – October 13th, 2024

• Location: Harriet Tubman Square, Newark, NJ

• Special Events:

  • Opening Ceremony with Artist Ayanna Morris, Newark Mayor Ras J Baraka, Congresswoman LaMonica McIver, Rutgers University–Newark Chancellor Jeffrey Robinson: October 11th at Noon

  • Hair Gala: October 12th

  • Grit & Glam Brunch featuring Misa Hylton and Mikki Taylor: October 13th at 1 p.m.

Ticket Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/join-us-for-the-unveil-of-dont-touch-my-hair-at-the-culture-parlor-tickets-1015871407727

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Purchase your tickets -> HERE.