Sankofa Art Gallery

The Ledonia Wright Cultural Center displays artwork in its Gallery that is reflective of its mission:

The Ledonia Wright Cultural Center (LWCC) at East Carolina University provides specialized diversity and social justice experiences so all students can become confident, culturally aware, global citizens. Additionally, LWCC provides programming and services to support student success.  

Sankofa means to “retrieve”; literally “go back and get”; san – to return; ko – to go; fa – to fetch, to seek and take. Sankofa is often associated with the proverb, “Se wo were fi na wosankofa a yenkyi,” or “Sankofa w’onkyir” which translates as: “It is not wrong to go back for that which you have forgotten.”

The gallery name tries to recognize the importance of reaching back into ancient history for traditions and customs that have been left behind, and the need to reflect on the past to build a successful future.” The gallery will continue to showcase cultural art and prioritize artists from the ENC region.

The Sankofa symbol aligns with the mission of the Ledonia Wright Cultural Center to provide experiences for our students to become confident, globally aware citizens. Through naming the gallery, it reaffirms the center’s commitment to help create a more culturally aware and responsible campus community.

 

Who is eligible to apply to showcase artwork in the LWCC?

Any current undergraduate, graduate, staff, faculty, or community member may apply to submit art to be displayed in the center.

How is my art chosen?

  • The artist must submit the LWCC Art Gallery Application Form with the five digital samples of their exhibition via email.
  • Exhibitions need to be five pieces or more.
  • Your art addresses cultural, ethnic or racial issues and/or focuses on fostering social justice.
  • Art chosen is exhibition-based, meaning that the committee would prefer a collection of five or more pieces from each artist, with the exception of large-scale pieces.
  • Your art fits within the parameters of the space available at the center. No work of 2D art can be longer than 6 feet long or 4 feet tall. Additionally, no individual of piece of 2D artwork can weigh over 10 pounds.
  • Your art is chosen by the Art Gallery Coordinator and approved by the associate director of the Ledonia Wright Cultural Center

What are my expectations and responsibilities?

The artist must complete the Art Loan Release Form and go through this checklist of the  items below:

  • The artist must submit the LWCC Art Gallery Application Form. Please turn in the application form at the Ledonia Wright Cultural Center front desk (located inside the Main Student Center) or via email.
  • The artist must provide the LWCC with five digital samples of their exhibition via email, in addition to the LWCC Art Gallery Application Form.
  • Exhibitions need to be five pieces or more.
  • The artist agrees that the LWCC may publish and disclose information about them and their work.
  • The artist agrees to abide to LWCC policies and procedures.
  • Art is hung at its own risk. The LWCC is not liable to what happens to the hanging of artwork in the center, whether it falls, in case of theft, or any other scenario.
  • Our Art Gallery is based off of an art hanging system that works only with two-dimensional artwork. Framed art is hung on the back and matted art is hung through clips.
  • All email contact or questions should be directed to the Ledonia Wright Cultural email: lwcc@ecu.edu or the LWCC phone number: (252) 328-6495

Space Dimensions

Four Sections of Wall – WALL IS CURVED

First Section: Width – 18.2 ft / Height – 3.3 ft (wall is cut out in the middle)

Second Section: Width – 4.6 ft / Height – 9.5 ft

Third Section: Width – 9.7 ft / Height – 9.5 ft

Fourth Section: Width – 19 ft / Height – 9.5 ft