DISCOVER UP IN THE AIR PUBLIC ART INSTALLATION

Up in the Air is a Clean Air-focused public art project created by 2024 Environmental Justice Artivists Lynda Andrews-Barry and Leonina Arismendi to highlight the urgent environmental justice challenges impacting Washington DC’s Ward 5.  Through this compelling community-generated public art installation, Up in the Air seeks to educate the community on the critical need for clean air and promote sustainable practices that contribute to this goal.

Andrews-Barry and Arismendi developed Up in the Air in support of Black mothers, mothers-to-be and their children, as they are 2.3 times more likely to suffer the consequences of air pollution than their fellow citizens. However, this project is intended to speak to all residents who want to experience the right to breathe clean air.

More than just an art project, Up in the Air is a call to action: inviting residents to raise awareness and advocate for equitable access to clean air. Driven by a vision of a community that is informed and empowered to champion a cleaner, healthier environment, Up in the Air is grounded in the core values of sustainability, resilience, justice, awareness, empowerment and creativity.