a project with purpose
At this critical time in our nation’s journey, we saw an important role for art to help unearth stories and allow people to understand the true history of enslavement, and how we can use art installations, experiences, and stories to support racial healing and reconciliation.
Hannah Drake and Josh Miller lead (Un)Known Project as a collaboration between artist-led nonprofit IDEAS xLab, the Frazier History Museum, Roots 101, and various departments within Louisville Metro Government.
Explore the trail
(Un)Known Project engages people through public art, performances, immersive experiences, art exhibits, and more. Since launching the Project, over 800 names of enslaved people have been unearthed and shared.
EVERY GREAT JOURNEY STARTS WITH A SINGLE STEP
The potential to changes lives through connecting people and their history is limitless. We are striving to create a purposeful path toward understanding, healing and reconciliation. We invite you to support (Un)Known Project and our journey to inspire and heal together.
Expanding (Un)Known Project
After launching (Un)Known Project in Louisville, KY, we saw the desire and need for it to grow beyond Kentucky. Enslavement isn’t the story of just one place or people. It’s a story of our nation. In the coming years, we’ll be identifying partners in other communities throughout the U.S. to help us expand the Project. If you would like to become a part of expanding the (Un)Known Project Trail, please reach out and let us know!
Transforming people, spaces and cultures.
IDEAS xLab’s vision is a world where art is a foundational guiding force in creating and sustaining a just society. As an organization, we recognize that stories are brought to life through art and we seek to unearth and honor community stories that transform people, spaces and cultures.
(Un)Known Project in the News
We're grateful to our funders
Additional supporters include: Elhapa Foundation, Brown-Forman, Owsley Brown III, Fund for the Arts, Louisville Metro External Agency Fund, Kentucky Foundation for Women, Louisville Public Media, Republic Bank, LG&E-KU and individual donors.