Project Row Houses marks 30 years and describes preservation, programming and institute plans

Danielle Burns Wilson, executive director of Project Row Houses, told the Arts and Culture Committee that PRH has spent three decades using art as a tool for community preservation, housing and economic development.

Burns Wilson recounted PRH’s origins with artist Rick Lowe and described the organization’s model of "community engaged art," artist residencies, subsidized rental spaces, fellowships and youth programming. She said PRH’s work includes small-business incubation on-site and partnerships for literacy and after-school programs. PRH also serves as fiscal sponsor for the 3rd Ward Cultural District.

She highlighted the organization’s renovation and reopening of the historic El Dorado Ballroom after what she described as a $9,700,000 renovation completed in 2023, and said PRH is building an archives and institute to share its model nationally and internationally. Burns Wilson announced the Southern Survey Biennial, inviting seven Southern artists and offering a $25,000 prize chosen by a guest curator.

Committee members praised PRH as a local cultural asset and asked for more information about the biennial; Burns Wilson said proposals had already been submitted for the current round and that selection occurs every other year.