Counterpublic 2023 Grand Opening Celebration

Apr 24

Counterpublic 2023 is OPEN!

We were lifted into the sky through Steffani Jemison's sound work on The Wheel, we walked with Raven Chacon through Benton Park, rode with Mendi and Keith Obadike through St. Louis Place, and sheltered together through a tornado, too.

Thousands of you came together, from Mayor Tishaura Jones, to our neighbors in the many communities of Counterpublic, to artists, curators, and audiences drawn from around the world to witness the moment.

Thank you all, and we will see you again, and again, throughout the three-month exhibition. Cheers to all involved and welcome to Counterpublic 2023!

Keep scrolling to read about the Grand Opening Reception on April 14th, 2023.

We kicked off our celebration at CITYPARK Stadium with Counterpublic artists, curators, partners, sponsors, community leaders, and more for food + drinks, reunions, and speeches. Speakers included President + CEO of St. Louis CITY SC Carolyn Kindle, Mayor of the City of St. Louis Tishura Jones, Counterpublic Co-Founder Lee Broughton, and Executive + Artistic Director James McAnally.

Musical artist 18andCounting kept the party going outside facing Damon Davis’ “Pillars of the Valley” monument.

Artist Jordan Weber and Great Rivers Greenway partners led a tour of the Brickline Greenway on Market Street to Weber’s installation at Memorial Plaza.

Artist Damon Davis’ film “The Boy in the Bottle” premiered at CITYPARK.

Artist Steffani Jemison and Curator Diya Vij introduced Jemison’s work at St. Louis’ Union Station. These installations include a custom penny press, a wall of curtains, and a sound installation in the St. Louis Wheel.

American poet, musician, and activist Moor Mother, one half of Black Quantum Futurism, performed at CITYPARK.

We closed out the night with a second viewing of Damon Davis’ film, “The Boy in the Bottle,” and remarks from Executive + Artistic Director James McAnally about the full weekend’s events.