Pia Deas
Pia Deas is the creator and host of Contemporary Black Canvas, a podcast that celebrates the depth and breadth of the Black artistic and intellectual tradition from the African diaspora and Africa. Through in-depth interviews with emerging and established artists from all disciplines, this multi-disciplinary project highlights the most engaging and dynamic Black artists from across the globe. Pia Deas is an Assistant Professor of English at Lincoln University with a speciality in African American literature. She lives in Philadelphia with her partner and their two cats. Contemporary Black Canvas will be available late fall via Itunes, Stitcher, and SoundCloud.
Awarded Grants
2017
Window of Opportunity Grant (WOO)
Related grantees
Overview
Pia Deas (ACG '16) has an opportunity to host an artists' roundtable at the Church of the Advocate in North Philadelphia on March 25, 2017 from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Tentatively titled Power to the People: Celebrating The Black Imagination, this event will feature five Philadelphia artists speaking about their work, the importance of the Black imagination, and how it informs their art and their activism.
2016
Art and Change Grant (ACG)
Related grantees
Overview
Pia Deas will create Contemporary Black Canvas (CBC), a bi-weekly podcast that celebrates the depth and breadth of Black artistic and intellectual thought. CBC will feature 26 interviews with Black artists and institution builders from the United States, the African Diaspora, and Africa. Through interviews with writers, musicians, performers, and visual, culinary, and horticultural artists, CBC will offer a sophisticated and multi-disciplinary picture of the Black artistic tapestry. By presenting artists who are committed to artistic excellence, innovation in their fields, and social change, CBC will showcase the inherent value and beauty of Black people. CBC seeks to inspire and transform communities by introducing listeners to artists and by creating an exchange of ideas.
